Overview
- Germany can clinch a direct 2026 World Cup berth with wins away to Luxembourg on Nov. 14 and against Slovakia on Nov. 17, with only the group winner qualifying and the team currently top on goal difference.
- DFB confirmed captain Joshua Kimmich sustained a right-ankle capsular injury in training and will miss the Luxembourg game, though he will travel and his availability for Slovakia is not ruled out.
- Nico Schlotterbeck is also out and Karim Adeyemi is suspended, with Ridle Baku likely at right-back, Waldemar Anton partnering Jonathan Tah in central defense, David Raum at left-back and Oliver Baumann expected in goal.
- Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leon Goretzka are set to anchor midfield, while the projected front four features Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz on the left and striker Nick Woltemade.
- With Wirtz under scrutiny at Liverpool, England-based teammates Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw and coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly backed his performances, and UEFA appointed English referee John Brooks to officiate in Luxembourg.