Germany's World Cup Countdown: Winners Rise, Doubts Linger as Nagelsmann Faces Tough Choices

Overview

Germany wrapped up the international window with convincing wins over Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, making a solid push toward the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While several players impressed, others left the camp with questions about their timing and role under coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Below are the players who shined and those who didn’t quite hit the mark during this set of fixtures.

Winners

Oliver Baumann

Even as public talk swirled around a possible Neuer recall, Baumann answered with a composed display, delivering crucial late stops as Hoffenheim’s stopper helped secure a valuable three points away from home, reinforcing his standing in the squad.

Nico Schlotterbeck

Back in the XI after a long injury layoff, he settled in at centre-back alongside Jonathan Tah, demonstrating alertness in duels and contributing with smart progressive passes. With Antonio Rüdiger fighting to regain match fitness, Schlotterbeck’s return increases competition for the captain’s slot in defense.

David Raum

Raum made his mark with dynamic wide play, scoring a superb free-kick against Luxembourg and then supplying a telling corner for the winner against Northern Ireland, showing why he is a valuable outlet on the left flank.

Alexander Pavlovic

The Bayern Munich midfielder, back from a recent lay-off, operated effectively in the double pivot and impressed with confident, almost flawless passing, hinting he could become a serious World Cup option if his form holds through the qualifiers.

Serge Gnabry

The winger opened the window with busy, energetic performance against Luxembourg, offering constant threat and movement that kept opposition defences honest; his form suggests a strong case for a World Cup starting spot if he stays fit.

Jonathan Burkardt

Used as a sub in both games, Burkardt showed pace and intent, signaling that a breakthrough season at Eintracht Frankfurt could push him into real contention for a late World Cup impact role if he maintains form in club football.

Florian Wirtz

Despite not scoring or assisting in these two games, Wirtz remains a highly regarded asset for the future. The price tag is heavy, but Nagelsmann continues to back him as a potential number 10 with the skill to unlock stubborn defenses.

Tim Kleindienst

The forward’s return is anticipated as he works back from injury, potentially adding depth in the attacking options as the team builds toward the World Cup campaign.

Joshua Kimmich

Used as a substitute in these fixtures, Kimmich’s adaptability and leadership remain a key resource for Nagelsmann as the coach experiments with different spine combinations ahead of the tournament.

Kai Havertz

Havertz entered the camp with fitness and rhythm questions, but his ability to contribute creatively could see him in the squad for the World Cup if he rediscovers peak form and sharpness in conditioning work.

Leon Goretzka

As a returning presence in midfield, Goretzka’s return adds a much-needed balance and spine depth, with the hope that he can stay healthy and firing as the World Cup nears.

Losers

Angelo Stiller and Felix Nmecha

Both were notable by their absence in terms of minutes: neither featured against Luxembourg or Northern Ireland, spending extended time on the bench. It signals Nagelsmann’s intent to test a broader pool while balancing options for the final World Cup squad.

With Kimmich, Havertz, and Havertz-like versatility available, the question becomes who seizes the moment when the calendar moves toward the final qualifiers and friendlies. If everyone stays fit, a single spot might go to the most in-form, rather than the most heralded.

Notes

The boss has clear ideas, but Germany’s forward lines and midfield balance will be under the microscope as the World Cup approaches. The next run of fixtures will be crucial to cementing roles, especially in the backline and attack where a few big decisions loom.

Two punchlines before you scroll away: 1) Nagelsmann is basically playing chess while most of his squad are still trying to remember how to spell “Goretzka” on the team sheet. 2) If the World Cup were a reality show, this national team would be its cliffhanger—lots of potential, but the finale remains up for grabs.