Overview

• Germany trails Slovakia by three points in Group A, with only first place granting automatic World Cup entry and playoffs required otherwise.
• After a four-week review, Julian Nagelsmann reverts to his Euro 2024 role principles by reducing experiments and prioritizing stability.
• The 24-man squad includes the recall of Nico Schlotterbeck, as club coach Niko Kovač urges caution over workload following his lengthy injury absence.
• The right side of defense remains unsettled after Nnamdi Collins was left out, with Ridle Baku highlighted as a potential option.
• Attacking plans lean on current club form as Nick Woltemade shines at Newcastle, Florian Wirtz struggles for minutes at Liverpool yet stays key for Germany, and uncapped Nicolo Tresoldi signals openness to Italy after missing the call-up.