<p>Group A’s opening <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-europe">2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier</a> kicks off in Bratislava, with host nation Slovakia facing a distinctly challenging test against Germany.</p> <p>Germany arrive with a refreshed squad and a sense of urgency, while Slovakia will hope home soil and defensive grit can keep them tight for a while.</p> <p>Slovakia are coming off a strong run to the Euro 2024 knockout stage, showing they can punch above their weight.</p> <p>Martin Dúbravka brings experience in goal, and the team usually defends compactly at Tehelné Pole. After a successful qualifying campaign for the Euros, their home performances have proven they can stretch competitive teams.</p> <p>Expect them to rely on organisation, set-pieces, and blocking Germany’s rhythm early.</p> <h2>Germany’s Context and Strengths</h2> <p>Germany come in with fresh energy and new faces. Coach Julian Nagelsmann has handed first senior call-ups to goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, defender Nnamdi Collins, and midfielder Paul Nebel.</p> <p>Antonio Rüdiger is back in the fold, and that is going to help the team find the defensive balance they have missed without him. However, Kai Havertz is sidelined with a knee injury, and this is something that we are sure will play a role in the game.</p> <p>Bayern stars (Gnabry, Kimmich, Goretzka, and Tah) are among those included and are also partially the reason why Germany enter as heavy favorites intent on asserting dominance early in the group.</p> <h2>Prediction: Compact Flow, Lean Toward Germany, Unders &amp; Live Swings</h2> <p>This one smells tactical and tight. <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/world-cup/fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-europe/slovakia-v-germany-9402239">Over/under players may lean toward the under</a> since Slovakia are likely to sit deep and Germany might take time to find rhythm.</p> <p>The margin feels narrow. Germany’s class gives them an edge, but Slovakia’s defensive structure and home atmosphere could frustrate them. A one-goal outcome feels most plausible.</p> <p>Momentum may hinge on moments. If Germany break through early, they could cruise. But Slovakia might find energy from crowd pushes or aerial threats from set pieces. Live bettors may look for edges in early transitions or how Germany adapt if the opener stalls.</p> <p>Bottom line: Germany should win, but expect a compact, low-scoring game with a small margin. Markets suggest unders and tight spreads over high totals or blowouts.</p>