Nico Schlotterbeck believes Germany sent a clear message about their World Cup potential with their ruthless dismantling of Slovakia, insisting the team can make a deep run in next year’s tournament if they maintain that level.
Germany entered Monday’s decisive group fixture under real pressure, knowing anything less than a result against a Slovakia team tied with them on points could complicate their path to the 2026 World Cup.
However, they produced one of their most convincing displays of the qualifying campaign, sweeping their opponents aside 6-0 to clinch top spot in Group A.
Leroy Sane led the charge with a brace, while Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry, Ridle Baku and debutant Assan Ouedraogo all added their names to the scoresheet in a statement performance.
The result secured Germany’s place at a World Cup for the 21st time and for Schlotterbeck, who returned to the starting XI after shaking off injury concerns, the victory was proof of the level Germany can hit when everything clicks.
“If we play like we did [against Slovakia], we are a very, very good team,” he told ZDF.
“If the guys who are currently injured also come back, then I believe we will have a very good World Cup. The first step has been taken. The next steps will then follow at the World Cup.
“I believe that if we play a World Cup like the European Championship last time, with a little more luck, with a little more performance from us, then I believe that we can really achieve something at the World Cup.”
The Borussia Dortmund defender is convinced that performance should set expectations high ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer, and he sees no reason to temper ambition after such a commanding display.
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