‘We Can Beat Anyone!’ – Spain, England, France and Argentina Issued a Warning as Nico Schlotterbeck Talks Up Germany’s World Cup Credentials

Germany’s ‘We Can Beat Anyone!’ Message as Schlotterbeck Warns Spain, England, France and Argentina After 6-0 Rout

If Germany wanted to send a message to the rest of the world before the 2026 World Cup, then their 6–0 demolition of Slovakia was loud enough to echo from Leipzig to Los Angeles. And Nico Schlotterbeck, never shy of saying what he thinks, made sure that message wasn’t just heard—it was underlined, highlighted and delivered with a confident grin.

“We can beat any opponent,” the Borussia Dortmund centre-back declared. Spain, England, France, Argentina, Portugal—Germany’s biggest footballing rivals were all name-checked as the defender fired a clear warning: Die Mannschaft are back, and they’re coming to North America with ambition, belief and absolutely no fear.

It’s the kind of statement that German teams in years gone by used to make with a shrug, but it’s been a while since we’ve heard such confidence. And Monday night’s performance suggested it might not be misplaced.

Germany Dismantle Slovakia to Clinch Direct Qualification for the 2026 World Cup

Julian Nagelsmann has waited months for a night like this—one where the football clicked, the goals flowed, and the atmosphere felt like the Germany of old. That 6–0 win at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig wasn’t just important for the standings. It was symbolic. It was cathartic. It was a reminder that Germany still have gears most teams can’t reach.

They needed it, too. Last week’s unconvincing 2–0 victory over Luxembourg had raised more questions than answers. Critics wondered whether this team had the personality or the precision to top the group and take back control of their qualifying campaign. Slovakia, after all, had beaten Germany 2–0 in the opening match back in September. Germany owed them one.

What followed was a commanding, ruthless display.

Woltemade—arguably the breakout star of this qualifying cycle—opened the floodgates in the 18th minute with the kind of finish that suggested he’s ready for bigger stages. Serge Gnabry, whose form at Bayern has often been scrutinised, doubled the lead soon after.

But the star of the night was Leroy Sané. The winger has been at the centre of debate within German football circles for months. Should he keep his place? Does he show up for the national team? Is he consistent enough?

Sané answered those questions with a pair of first-half goals that felt like a career reset. One in the 36th minute, another five minutes later. Both with the fluidity and incision that once made him one of Europe’s most feared wide players.

The second half didn’t have the same urgency, but Germany still coasted. Ridle Baku added the fifth, and then Assan Ouedraogo—just 19 years and 192 days old—capped the night with a goal on his senior debut. That made him the second-youngest scorer in German national team history.

The scoreline? Impressive. The performance? Borderline sensational. The confidence boost? Immense.

Germany were officially going to the 2026 World Cup as group winners.

Schlotterbeck: “I Want to Go to the World Cup to Win It”

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Nico Schlotterbeck isn’t a man of small ambitions. Speaking after the match, he delivered the kind of composed but assertive remarks that Germany fans have been dying to hear from someone in this new-look squad.

“If we play like we did today, we are a very good team,” he told ZDF. “And if the players who can help us but are currently injured come back, I believe we can have a very strong World Cup.”

He wasn’t finished.

“With a bit more luck and slightly better performances, we can really make an impact. If we play like we did today, it doesn’t matter if we’re facing the 46th-ranked team or the top-ranked team. We can beat any opponent. We are still Germany.”

And then the kicker:

“I want to go to the World Cup to win it.”

That’s the mentality that once defined German football. For years, the national team had drifted—early tournament exits, tactical confusion, ageing squads, internal instability. But in Leipzig, something shifted. And in Schlotterbeck’s words, something resurfaced.

Germany Possess Ridiculous Depth Ahead of 2026

What makes this German resurgence so intriguing is what they haven’t used yet.

Throughout the entire qualifying campaign, Nagelsmann was without:

• Marc-André ter Stegen

• Antonio Rüdiger

• Jamal Musiala

• Kai Havertz

That’s not just four missing players—that’s four potential starters. Four leaders. Four players capable of shaping a tournament.

Beyond that, the team is navigating a complete generational transition. The departures of Thomas Müller, Toni Kroos, and Manuel Neuer from international football marked the end of an era. Yet even then, whispers persist that Neuer might not be done entirely.

When everyone is fit, Germany’s depth becomes almost absurd.

Consider their possible core:

• Florian Wirtz – one of Europe’s finest young playmakers

• Jonathan Tah – transformed under Xabi Alonso

• David Raum – reliable and improving

• Nico Schlotterbeck – now one of the first names on the team sheet

• Joshua Kimmich – still the spinal cord of German midfield

• Aleksandar Pavlović – a tactically intelligent emerging star

• Serge Gnabry & Leroy Sané – both match-winners

• Nick Woltemade – Germany’s newest goal threat

• Karim Adeyemi, Niklas Süle, Mittelstädt – proven internationals

Add to that the raw talent of players like Ouedraogo, Baku and Said El Mala, and you get one of the deepest national pools in world football.

On paper, Germany have a squad that can go toe-to-toe with France, England, Spain or Argentina.

On the pitch, as shown Monday, they are beginning to believe it too.

Schlotterbeck’s Future at Dortmund Remains Uncertain

Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Dortmund – DFB Cup: Round Two

As far as club football goes, Schlotterbeck’s story is entering an interesting chapter. His performances for Germany have elevated his profile significantly, yet his long-term future at Borussia Dortmund remains unresolved.

His contract runs until June 2027, and Dortmund are eager to lock him down. With Mats Hummels departing and defensive stability becoming a priority, Schlotterbeck represents the linchpin of their next era.

But the defender is taking his time.

“It won’t be so early that I extend my contract,” he admitted back in September. “We’ll have talks. I’ll sit down with Sebastian Kehl, make a plan, and then we’ll see.”

That uncertainty has predictably attracted attention. Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are among the clubs monitoring him for a potential summer move. If he impresses at the 2026 World Cup, his value could explode.

But for now, his focus seems firmly fixed on the national team and the growing belief that Germany are no longer rebuilding—they’re reloading.

Germany’s Warning Shot to the World

Spain, England, France, Argentina, Portugal—consider yourselves warned. Germany have found their voice again, their rhythm again, and their confidence again. The blend of youth and experience, combined with Nagelsmann’s influence, is beginning to mature into something dangerous.

If their 6–0 rout of Slovakia was the first sign, Nico Schlotterbeck’s declaration was the second.

“We can beat anyone.”

For the first time in years, it doesn’t sound like wishful thinking. It sounds like Germany.