Overview
- Germany crushed Slovakia 6:0 in Leipzig to secure direct qualification for the expanded World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- Nagelsmann lauded Baumann’s clean‑sheet streak but kept the starter role open pending ter Stegen’s fitness and club minutes, with talk of Manuel Neuer’s return confined to outside speculation.
- Nick Woltemade continued his scoring run and earned praise as the leading striker option, while captain Joshua Kimmich’s return proved influential.
- Teenager Assan Ouédraogo scored within minutes of his senior debut, and U21 winger Lennart Karl netted again in a 2:0 win in Georgia.
- The Netherlands qualified with a 4:0 over Lithuania as the Dutch Fanatics boycotted over a standing‑section dispute; Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria also sealed places.