Overview
- Germany will qualify directly with at least a draw in Leipzig; a defeat would force a March playoff route.
- Both teams enter the finale on 12 points, with Germany holding the tiebreaker on goal difference (+7 to +4).
- Julian Nagelsmann expects Joshua Kimmich to be available, Karim Adeyemi returns from suspension, and Nico Schlotterbeck is back in the squad.
- Norway sealed its first World Cup since 1998 by beating Italy 4:1 with an Erling Haaland brace, sending the Azzurri to the playoffs.
- A Germany win would restore a Top‑9 FIFA ranking and, regardless of the seeding model FIFA confirms this week, secure a Pot 1 place at the 5 December draw; Portugal also qualified with a 9:1 over Armenia without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.