Overview

• After the 0-2 defeat in Slovakia, Germany target six points against Luxembourg on Friday in Sinsheim and Northern Ireland on Monday in Belfast to stay on course for 2026.
• With Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined until around year-end and needing club minutes thereafter, DFB sporting director Rudi Völler said a Manuel Neuer return is currently not a topic as the Bayern captain stands by his retirement.
• Oliver Baumann reported nausea on arrival, prompting the first senior call-up for Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, while striker Nick Woltemade remained out with a respiratory infection.
• Nagelsmann continues to manage heavy rotation—52 players in 25 matches—with recalls for Nico Schlotterbeck and Ridle Baku and a first inclusion for fullback Nathaniel Brown.
• Ex-captains Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger urged patience and backed Florian Wirtz, as Matthias Sammer called for defensive stability and clarity on selecting the best available goalkeeper.