Preview: Luxembourg vs Slovakia - prediction, team news, lineups

After pulling off a giant-killing in their first Group A fixture, Slovakia will continue their quest to reach World Cup 2026 when they visit Luxembourg on Sunday.

The Slovaks made a superb start to a four-team group that kicked off earlier this week, toppling top seeds Germany.

Match preview

Inflicting Germany's fourth World Cup qualifying defeat of all time, Slovakia stunned their illustrious visitors on Thursday evening, running out 2-0 winners in Bratislava.

David Hancko put the hosts in front just before half time, linking up with David Strelec before finding the net; the latter then added a crucial second 10 minutes after the restart, clinically finding the top corner.

The top team from each group will qualify directly for next year's World Cup, with runners-up going into the playoffs, so such an unexpected victory puts Francesco Calzona's side in the box seat.

That win came somewhat out of the blue, as Slovakia had previously gone four games without a win in 2025, following their extra-time loss in a two-legged UEFA Nations League playoff with friendly defeats against Greece and Israel.

Yet, buoyed by their opening success, the Falcons are one step closer to making just a second World Cup appearance since gaining independence - and the first since South Africa 2010.

Slovakia last travelled to Luxembourg for a World Cup qualifier some 20 years ago, leaving with a comprehensive 4-0 win, and a similar result this weekend would further strengthen their position in Group A.

The nations have also met four times in European Championship qualifying over the past decade - for Euros 2016 and 2024 - with Luxembourg losing three and playing out one goalless draw.

More recently, Les Lions Rouges have gone eight competitive matches without a win - in addition to losing two of their last three friendlies.

Their latest setback came on Thursday night, as Jeff Strasser's first game in charge started disastrously: Northern Ireland took an eighth-minute lead via the rebound from a penalty.

Though Danel Sinani later set up Aiman Dardari to curl home the hosts' equaliser, they conceded again within a minute of kicking off the second half. Seid Korac - who had given away the early spot kick - was then dismissed after 66 minutes, and Northern Ireland notched a killer third from the resulting set piece.

Now, having missed perhaps their best chance to take points in Group A, Luxembourg must face a Slovakia side who will arrive in the Grand Duchy full of confidence.

Luxembourg World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

Luxembourg form (all competitions):

D W L L D L

Slovakia World Cup Qualifying - Europe form:

Slovakia form (all competitions):

W D L L L W

Team News

Given his team's success in midweek, Francesco Calzona is unlikely to make many changes, so it should be a settled Slovakia side.

Middlesbrough striker David Strelec is set to lead the Falcons' attack, with Napoli playmaker Stanislav Lobotka continuing to conduct a three-man midfield.

Lukas Haraslin and Denis Vavro are both sidelined by injury this month, while Euro 2024 star Ivan Schranz missed out against Germany and remains a doubt.

Luxembourg, meanwhile, must make at least one personnel change, as Seid Korac serves a suspension for his red card on Thursday; Vahid Selimovic could replace the Venezia defender.

In midfield, 16-year-old Borussia Dortmund starlet Enzo Duarte will hope to make another appearance - most likely from the bench.

Up front, St Pauli striker Danel Sinani should again support Aiman Dardari, as Gerson Rodrigues is still serving a ban imposed by the Luxembourg Football Federation.

Luxembourg possible starting lineup: Moris; Jans, Selimovic, Mahmutovic, Carlson; Olesen, Barreiro; Sanches, Sinani, Bohnert; Dardari

Slovakia possible starting lineup: Dubravka; Gyomber, Satka, Skriniar, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Benes; Duris, Strelec, Sauer