Overview
- Recent wins over Luxembourg (4-0) and in Northern Ireland (1-0, Nick Woltemade scoring) took Germany top of their group and kept direct qualification in their control.
- The group will be decided in the November window, with Germany visiting Luxembourg before hosting Slovakia on 17 November, where goal difference is the first tiebreaker.
- A FIFA ranking rule that shields Nations League finals defeats from full penalties, combined with rivals’ slips, has lifted Germany toward the top 10 ahead of the October 23 update, with the decisive list due in November.
- Pot 1 at the December 5 draw goes to the three hosts plus the nine highest-ranked qualified teams, and Italy’s potential play-off route as Norway surge with Erling Haaland would likely open a slot.
- England are the only European side already qualified, while the DFB lines up 2026 friendlies as reported plans draw criticism from Toni Kroos, who urges stronger March opponents and a softer final tune-up.