Overview
- Germany need only a draw against Slovakia to qualify directly for 2026, while a loss would send the team to the play-offs.
- AFP confirms captain Joshua Kimmich has returned to the squad after an ankle injury, with his starting role still undecided; Nico Schlotterbeck and Karim Adeyemi are also back.
- SPORT1 reports a victory would likely restore Germany to the top nine of the FIFA rankings and secure Pot 1 for the draw, boosted by Italy’s setback.
- The match kicks off at 20:45 in the Red Bull Arena and airs live on ZDF, with the stadium reported to be close to sold out.
- BILD reports RB Leipzig stands to earn about €500,000 for hosting and that Jürgen Klopp will attend the game and a DFL expert-group meeting at the club’s training center.