Key Takeaways:
- Julian Nagelsmann selected a 25-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers
- Said El Mala of Koln has received his inaugural call-up, while Leroy Sane returns following his move to Galatasaray
- Germany will meet Luxembourg away on 14 November before a home clash with Slovakia in Leipzig on 17 November
Squad Selections and Notable Returns
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has announced a 25-player squad ahead of the next set of 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures. The standout inclusion is 19-year-old Koln striker Said El Mala, who has been rewarded with his first senior international selection after notching 4 goals for his club this season. Nagelsmann commented that he “expects him to show his carefree side.”
🇩🇪 Germany's squad for their upcoming matches vs. Luxembourg and Slovakia.
Leroy Sane has been recalled for the first time since moving to Galatasaray while Cologne's Said El Mala earned his first call-up ever.
Germany can secure a World Cup ticket with two victories 🏆 pic.twitter.com/w4jzb97vom
— DW Sports (@dw_sports) November 6, 2025
Leroy Sane also features among the call-ups, making his return to the German national team for the first time since his summer departure from Bayern Munich and subsequent move to Turkish outfit Galatasaray. Nagelsmann praised Sane’s club form, stating, “I’ve always had a good relationship with him. He earned the right to play for his country with his strong performances in the Champions League and the Turkish league.”
Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw is another returning face, rejoining the squad after a two-year absence.
Injury Concerns for Key Players
Germany continues to contend with the absence of several key contributors, all sidelined by long-term injuries. Starting goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, and Arsenal forward Kai Havertz have not yet returned to full fitness.
Group A Standings and Remaining Fixtures
The German side currently shares the lead in Group A of the qualifiers, having collected 9 points from four matches – equal with Slovakia. Northern Ireland sit third with 6 points. Only the team finishing at the top of the group will gain automatic passage to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
| Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 9 | 4 |
| Slovakia | 9 | 4 |
| Northern Ireland | 6 | 4 |
Upcoming Matches and Objectives
Germany will travel to Luxembourg for an away match on 14 November before closing the UEFA qualification cycle with a home tie against Slovakia three days later in Leipzig. Nagelsmann underlined the team’s ambitions, declaring: “We want to secure World Cup qualification with two wins,”
