Overview
- Germany sits third in its qualifying group after a 0–2 loss to Slovakia and a 3–1 win over Northern Ireland.
- Only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, with others sent to March playoffs.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed absences for Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Antonio Rüdiger and selected Oliver Baumann to start in goal in Sinsheim.
- Luxembourg arrives bottom of the group with zero points, heightening Germany’s need to boost goal difference and total goals under UEFA rules.
- Germany has dropped to 12th in the FIFA ranking, complicating its push to be among the top nine seeds for the December 5 World Cup draw and increasing the risk of a tougher path if forced into playoffs.