Nagelsmann changes twice
This is how Germany starts the fight for the World Cup ticket
Updated 11/17/2025 – 7:32 p.mReading time: 1 min.
After the defeat against Slovakia in September, things should work out better this time. Germany is changing for this.
Julian Nagelsmann has made a change for the decisive game for the direct ticket to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada next year. Against Slovakia, the national coach is relying on captain Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck in defense (from 8:45 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online). Both were missing recently.
This is how Germany starts against Slovakia:
Kimmich, who was missing in Luxembourg due to an ankle injury, replaces Ridle Baku at right-back, while Schlotterbeck (foot wound) moves into the center of defense alongside Jonathan Tah in place of Waldemar Anton. Like Tah, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and left-back David Raum remain in the starting lineup.
Otherwise, Nagelsmann doesn’t change anything. The Bayern professionals Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlović once again form the control center in midfield. In the offensive line, Leroy Sané gets another chance alongside Serge Gnabry and Florian Wirtz. Nick Woltemade, the match winner with a brace in Luxembourg, should score goals again as a striker.
With a win or a draw, Germany will book their ticket to the World Cup next summer as group winners ahead of Slovakia. In the event of a defeat, tournament participation would have to be secured in playoffs for the first time in 24 years. The mode then provides for two knockout games in March 2026. Germany has never missed a World Cup finals for sporting reasons.
This is the German line-up: Baumann – Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum – Pavlović, Goretzka – Sané, Gnabry, Wirtz – Woltemade