Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is in no mood to take risks in the remaining World Cup qualifiers and wants to secure just two wins to seal his ticket to next year’s tournament.
The Germans, who travel to Luxembourg on Friday before hosting Slovakia on November 14, will secure top spot in Group A and automatically qualify for next year’s World Cup with two wins in their last two matches.
“We want to have a good balance (in the team),” Nagelsmann said at a press conference on Monday. «We want to double cover every position. The most important thing is… to be successful in these games, get the six points and qualify for the World Cup.»
«We are not dependent on other results, but only on the performance of our team. It is a good starting position, but we still have to make it a success.»
Nagelsmann raised some eyebrows by ignoring VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller but said the door was not closed on the 24-year-old, who has five caps, for next year’s tournament.
«I spoke with Angelo. His development is going in the right direction,» said Nagelsmann. «But in the (number) six position, with Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic, I see them running a little further at the moment. Angelo must continue his rising form. There will be a new selection nomination in March. The door is not closed.»
Germany sits first in its group with nine points, ahead of second-placed Slovakia on goal difference. Northern Ireland is third out of six, while Luxembourg is last without points. The group winner will automatically earn World Cup qualification, while the second-placed team will enter a play-off in March 2026.
The Germans – four-time world champions – are desperate for a deep tournament and have their sights set on winning the trophy at the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, after their disappointing first-round exit in the past two editions.
“We don’t have the luxury of another mistake,” Nagelsmann said when asked about their surprise 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in September. Germany has since won its next three qualifiers.
«We have, as I said, improved the starting conditions… but still need to complete the task.»
Published on November 10, 2025
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(750x260:752x262)/kylie-jenner-after-party-111025-1-e75c5f3ccd3e47c6a0211b0ae8a3b9ec.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Kylie Jenner comparte un video de ella comiendo papas fritas mientras está ‘borracha a las 2 a.m.’")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(599x0:601x2)/Promo_3X2_05_MON_111025_BowenYang-d6cab78d528848c28ec989b0e6bd9519.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Boceto de comedia favorito")
