Team news and predicted lineups

Germany face a crucial test on Friday, when they take on Luxembourg in Sinsheim in their third qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a mixed start to the campaign, Julian Nagelsmann’s side know that only a win will keep their qualification hopes firmly on track.

Germany’s qualification journey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has not been the smooth start many had hoped for. After two matches, Julian Nagelsmann’s team sit on three points — the result of a disappointing 2–0 defeat to Slovakia and a 3–1 victory over Northern Ireland. The early inconsistency has left Germany in a precarious position in Group A, and Friday’s encounter with Luxembourg in Sinsheim already feels decisive.

The PreZero Arena, home of TSG Hoffenheim, will provide the backdrop as Germany aim to assert control and show progress under Nagelsmann, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of stability and identity in his evolving squad. Despite some encouraging signs over the past year, results have remained unpredictable, and the coach knows his team can ill afford further setbacks this autumn.

Team news: injury concerns and changing dynamics

Nagelsmann’s squad for this window reflects both opportunity and necessity. Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, two of Germany’s key creative forces, are still sidelined with injuries. Florian Wirtz, expected to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility in their absence, has struggled to find form since joining Liverpool in the summer, creating further uncertainty in the attacking midfield positions.

However, other players have stepped up. Serge Gnabry has rediscovered his sharpness and goal-scoring touch for Bayern Munich, while Nick Woltemade has impressed with his directness and composure in front of goal for Newcastle, emerging as one of Germany’s most in-form forwards.

Another name returning to the squad is Kevin Schade, whose strong Premier League performances for Brentford have earned him a deserved recall after nearly a year away from the national team.

At the back, there are both fresh faces and familiar returns. Goalkeeper Noah Atubolu and defender Nathaniel Brown receive their first senior call-ups – both have been hot candidates for the national teams for a while now. Meanwhile, Nico Schlotterbeck and Ridle Baku are back in the fold after some time out and solid club performances, bringing renewed competition for defensive spots.

The biggest name to miss out in the current squad selection is Stuttgart’s left-back Maximilian Mittelstädt – more on Nagelsmann’s reasons for leaving him out here!

A struggling opponent under new leadership

Luxembourg arrive in Sinsheim under new management, with Jeff Strasser taking charge earlier this year following the long tenure of Luc Holtz (15 years!). The transition period has been challenging: The Red Lions have lost both of their opening qualifiers — 3–1 against Northern Ireland and 1–0 to Slovakia — and are still searching for their first points in Group A.

Despite the poor results, Luxembourg’s performances have shown flashes of potential, especially in their defensive structure and pressing intensity. Strasser, a former defender with Bundesliga experience, has emphasized compactness and discipline, but his team has struggled to convert their limited chances into goals. Against a motivated Germany side, they will likely adopt a cautious approach, focusing on defensive organization and set pieces to create opportunities.

Predicted line-ups

After the last National team period in September, Nagelsmann has openly said he needs to make further changes to the squad and that he wants to work on the team’s system and tactics. Could we see those changes in the match vs. Luxembourg?

It looks like Oliver Baumann got fit in time to keep his place in the starting team; Nübel and Dahmen would’ve been hopeful to make an appearance and Atubolu was most likely also dreaming of making his debut. There is a lot of pressure on those goalkeepers to perform, since Manuel Neuer is rumoured to make a late comeback for the World Cup – and Marc-André ter Stegen is technically still the number one for Nagelsmann.

Ridel Baku could be the final puzzle piece for Germany’s right-back problem; Nnamdi Collins was not able to deliver when he was called up last month and captain Kimmich is supposed to play in midfield.

Generally, Nagelsmann could switch (back) to a 4-2-2-2, a system he has often used in his time as RB Leipzig coach. In that case, the line-up would most likley look like this:

Baumann – Baku, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum – Kimmich, Pavlović – Amiri, Wirtz – Gnabry, Woltemade

Jamie Leweling and Karim Adeyemi are great options from the bench, while Stiller and Goretzka will be looking to make their way into the first team over the next games. Nico Schlotterbeck will certainly be an important player for Nagelsmann – it will be exciting to see what happens in the central defense once Antonio Rüdiger gets back from injury.

Prediction:

Since it’s a must-win game for Germany, you can expect a lot of intensity and willingness to play attacking football from Nagelsmann’s side. Even though Luxembourg will be looking to stay compact in defense, we reckon Germany will regain confidence and play in a convincing manner against their European neighbours.