Overview
- Germany top Group A on goal difference and need a win or draw in Leipzig to qualify directly, while a loss would send them to March playoffs.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann called the match a "knockout" and said normal pre-game nerves should sharpen a push for all three points.
- Nico Schlotterbeck trained with the team and is expected to return, while Joshua Kimmich worked individually with a matchday decision pending.
- Injuries have limited Germany throughout qualifying, with absences at various points for Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Marc-André ter Stegen, Antonio Rüdiger, Niclas Füllkrug and Tim Kleindienst.
- Slovakia's 2-0 win over Germany in September frames the rematch, with both sides level on points heading into the finale.