Overview
- Germany enter the Oct. 10 and Oct. 13 World Cup qualifiers under pressure after a 0:2 loss in Slovakia, with only the group winner qualifying directly for 2026.
- Julian Nagelsmann made late roster changes: Kevin Schade was called up for the injured Jamie Leweling, goalkeeper Noah Atubolu replaced the ill Oliver Baumann, and Nick Woltemade joined camp after a viral infection delay.
- Key absences persist with Marc-André ter Stegen, Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, Kai Havertz and Tim Kleindienst injured, increasing reliance on newer options.
- Persistent full‑back instability continues as Joshua Kimmich returns to central midfield; David Raum leads the options, Ridle Baku is recalled, and newcomer Nathaniel Brown offers depth on the flank.
- Calls for continuity grew, with Lothar Matthäus urging an end to experiments and proposing a 3‑4‑2‑1, analysts highlighting a five‑man Dortmund contingent as a potential stabilizing core, and Luxembourg coach Jeff Strasser eyeing chances if Germany’s press is bypassed.