2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana Held, Cameroon Cruise, Germany Shocked by Slovakia
Story: written by Okafor Joaeph September 5,2025
The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued on Thursday with thrilling qualifying matches across Africa and Europe, producing surprising results and dominant performances.
In the African zone, Ghana were stunned by Chad, settling for a 1-1 draw. Jordan Ayew had put the Black Stars ahead, but Celestin Ecua equalized late to deny them maximum points.
Elsewhere, Cameroon swept aside Eswatini 3-0, a scoreline replicated by Tunisia, who defeated Liberia, while Mali outclassed Comoros with another emphatic 3-0 victory.
In Europe, four-time world champions Germany suffered a historic upset, losing 2-0 to Slovakia in Bratislava — their first ever away defeat in a World Cup qualifier. David Hancko opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, before David Strelec sealed the win shortly after the break.
Meanwhile, Spain cruised to a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino in the first half ensured a comfortable win for La Roja.
