Julian Nagelsmann On Germany Possibly Playing World Cup Play-Off: ‘Maybe A Bit Nervous…’

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann (AP)

Germany are solely focused on victory as they host Slovakia in their final qualifier for the 2026 World Cup on Monday, with no consideration given to the possibility of entering the qualification playoff, coach Julian Nagelsmann stated on Sunday.

The Germans will secure automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with either a win or a draw. They lead Group A with 12 points, ahead of Slovakia on goal difference. Notably, Slovakia defeated Germany 2-0 in the opening qualifier in Bratislava in September.

However, a home defeat on Monday could be disastrous, potentially dropping Germany to second place and forcing them into a March playoff for a spot in next year’s tournament—a scenario Nagelsmann and his team are determined to avoid.

“No it is not an issue (that we could fail). Few teams would raise this as an issue, of what could happen negatively,” Nagelsmann told a press conference, two days after beating Luxembourg 2-0.

We are maybe a bit nervous ahead of tomorrow. There is a lot of appeal in such a game. At the end of the day we have to take things as they are. We would have liked to have won in Slovakia but it is what it is,” he added.

“We are confident we will play well and get the three points.”

The Germans – four-time world champions – aim to win the trophy at the World Cup after their disappointing first-round exits in the last two editions, their worst record in the history of the tournament.

Return Of Familiar Faces

Throughout much of the qualifying campaign, Nagelsmann has been without several starters, including Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Antonio Rudiger, Niclas Fuellkrug and Tim Kleindienst.

However, the Germans are likely to welcome back captain Joshua Kimmich and defender Nico Schlotterbeck from injury, with a decision to be made on Monday.

“We’ve got a good doctor and some good physios. They’re skilled at taping (players) up tightly,” Nagelsmann said.

(With inputs from Agencies)