Germany’s World Cup Push: Volltmade Shines, Kane Sparks Banter, and the U21 Shuffle

A Busy Germany Camp Ahead of the Slovakia Test

As Germany accelerates its preparations for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, the camp is alive with stories beyond the tactical drills. Controversial transfer chatter, sharp media commentary, and a surprise pull for a rising youngster have Put Said Malla briefly in the spotlight before he heads back to the Under-21s.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane appears with renewed confidence, offering light-hearted commentary about the World Cup as Bayern players strive to keep cohesion amid the season’s pressures and expectations.

Said Malla, the 19-year-old forward, described how he was welcomed by teammates at the national team after his call-up. “When I arrived, everyone congratulated me. Bayern players congratulated me as well. When a player takes a step forward, you get congratulated—this was my experience too.”

He also addressed Karl-Heinz Rummenigge’s remark that Stuttgart paid “fools’ money” for transfer fees, saying: “My teammates commented, I didn’t. I think that was the right thing to do.”

On the summer headlines surrounding his name, Bayern, and transfer talk, Malla noted that the headlines didn’t tell the full story, emphasizing the privacy of his circumstances while staying focused on the task at hand.

Rather than a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, Malla will rejoin the Germany Under-21 squad for European Championship qualifying. Sky Sports later reported that he would depart the senior squad after the Luxembourg match to rejoin the younger group. The capricious nature of youth call-ups remains part of German football’s evolving story this season.

Julian Nagelsmann has hinted that Malla will travel to Georgia for the Under-21 qualifiers, while the senior team eyes a direct ticket to the World Cup in Leipzig against Slovakia the next day. The coach has praised Malla’s attitude in training, noting his warmth toward teammate Assan Ouédraoujo, who was called up later and helped explain the team’s hotel procedures.

Amid the squad reshuffle, Karim Ademi’s suspension against Luxembourg opened the door for Dortmund’s striker to be eligible again for the Slovakia game. Meanwhile, Leipzig’s Ouédraoujo will stay in the squad for the final World Cup qualifier against Slovakia and could become Nagelsmann’s 21st international.

Germany now leads Group 1 on 12 points, tied with Slovakia on points but ahead on goal difference. A draw in Leipzig would secure direct World Cup qualification for the Germans, keeping the pressure firmly on the chasing pack.

Harry Kane, in parallel, was asked about conversations with teammates abroad regarding the World Cup and which teams could be contenders. He replied with typical dry humor: “France is obvious. Michael (Olise) and I joke about how it’ll unfold next summer. Germany will want to go far, too—there’s healthy competition and banter among us, which makes it all the more fun.” He added that he feels in peak physical and mental form this season, praising Bayern Munich’s current run and his own development.

In terms of the broader picture, the summer headlines around the transfer market and the fee debates have given way to pragmatic on-field goals. Nagelsmann believes Malla has left a positive impression in training and highlighted the team’s willingness to adapt as the qualifiers approach. The group’s standings and the lingering talk about players’ futures will continue to shape Germany’s preparations as the window closes and the matches arrive.

And now, for a touch of humor to keep spirits high: If football is precision, Germany’s lineup is a well-tuned sniper—never missing the target, even if the target keeps moving. And if the World Cup were a board game, Nagelsmann would own the rulebook and still remind you that the dice owe him a goal. Stay tuned; the season’s punchlines are still being drafted, and Germany looks ready to deliver a few knockout chapters.