Team news and predicted lineups

Julian Nagelsmann’s side look to move one step closer to the World Cup 2026 as they face bottom-placed Luxembourg in the penultimate round of Group A fixtures.

Germany travel to the Stade de Luxembourg on Friday night for their penultimate World Cup 2026 qualifying match, looking to take another decisive step toward securing top spot in Group A. Julian Nagelsmann’s side currently lead the section with nine points from their first four fixtures, boasting a goal difference of 8:3.

Germany approach the fixture against Luxembourg as firm favourites, but with two matches still to play in the group – including a potentially decisive clash with Slovakia – the coach will demand focus and professionalism to ensure qualification is wrapped up without drama.

Germany – Team News:

Julian Nagelsmann has named a 25-man squad for Germany’s final two qualifiers. The list reflects a balance of experience and youthful energy: established names like Joshua Kimmich, a returning Leroy Sané, and Florian Wirtz are joined by promising youngsters Assan Ouédraogo and Said El Mala, both receiving their first senior call-ups.

Ouédraogo’s inclusion in particular has been praised by RB Leipzig teammate David Raum: “He’s earned it. He’s been too modest about himself – on the pitch, he has an incredible physical presence.”

There are, however, a few notable absences. Nico Schlotterbeck remains a major doubt after sustaining a foot injury and missing multiple training sessions. Nagelsmann confirmed the centre-back’s situation “doesn’t look ideal,” potentially forcing changes in defence. Malick Thiaw and Waldemar Anton are expected to be next in line to partner Jonathan Tah if Schlotterbeck fails to recover in time, which is most likely the case.

Elsewhere, Angelo Stiller was a surprise omission from the roster despite strong form at VfB Stuttgart. Nagelsmann explained that the decision came down to tactical balance and positional depth: “Angelo is doing well, but other options are slightly ahead right now.”

Overall, Germany’s squad looks strong, with key attacking players, aside from Jamal Musiala, fit and available – a welcome boost heading into the final international break of the calendar year.

Luxembourg – Team News:

Head coach Jeff Strasser has admitted that while the group’s outcome is no longer mathematically in Luxembourg’s control (they can’t reach 2nd place in the group), the side remains focused on restoring pride and giving a strong account of themselves in the remaining fixtures. Given the mounting pressure and defensive lapses so far (they’ve conceded ten goals in their first four matches), team morale and defensive solidity will be key areas of attention ahead of hosting Germany.

Luxembourg will likely continue to deploy a compact formation, emphasising midfield resilience and counter-attack threat via the likes of Daniel Sinani and Aiman Dardari, while striving for improved finishing – something that has hampered their campaign to date. The challenge ahead is clear: arrest the run of defeats and build momentum, even if the ultimate goal of World Cup qualification is now out of reach.

Previous matchup:

These two sides met just last month, on October 10th, when Germany cruised to a 4-0 victory in Frankfurt. Nagelsmann’s men dominated from the outset, scoring twice in the first 25 minutes through David Raum’s free-kick and a Joshua Kimmich penalty following a red card for Luxembourg’s Dirk Carlson.

Second-half strikes from Serge Gnabry and another from Kimmich sealed a comfortable win, as Germany controlled 84% of possession and fired 20 shots to Luxembourg’s 2. Despite the numerical advantage, it was the crispness of Germany’s attacking play and improved fluidity in midfield that stood out – qualities Nagelsmann will look to reproduce on Friday night.

Luxembourg, on the other hand, will hope to produce a more disciplined defensive display and avoid another early collapse against the group leaders.

Current standings in Group A:

Germany enter the fifth matchday of World Cup 2026 qualifying at the top of Group A, holding nine points from their opening four matches with a goal difference of +5 (8:3). They are level on points with Slovakia, who have also taken nine points but trail slightly due to their inferior goal difference. Northern Ireland follow in third place with six points after a mixed campaign, while Luxembourg sit bottom of the table without a single point to their name and a concerning goal difference of –9 (1:10).

The situation means Germany’s fate remains in their own hands: victory in Luxembourg would keep them in pole position ahead of next week’s decisive clash with Slovakia. Even a narrow win would maintain their edge thanks to their superior scoring record, but Nagelsmann’s men will be eager to add to their goal tally to ensure that advantage cannot be overturned.

For Luxembourg, the remaining fixtures are more about pride and progress than qualification. They have endured a difficult run, struggling to convert chances and leaking goals against higher-ranked opponents. Still, with home support behind them, they will look to test Germany’s focus and exploit any signs of complacency. The table may be clear in its hierarchy, but the hosts will hope to at least make Germany earn every point.

Predicted lineups:

Germany (4-2-3-1):
Baumann – Kimmich, Tah, Anton, Raum – Pavlović, Goretzka – Sané, Wirtz, Gnabry – Woltemade

Luxembourg (4-1-4-1):
Moris – Jans, Korać, Mahmutović, Bohnert – Olesen – Sinani, Pereira, Barreiro, Dardari – Muratović