Germany’s national team is facing a defensive headache as it heads into its 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Coach Julian Nagelsmann isn’t planning to roll out any fancy tactics this time – he’s scrambling to fill gaps in a backline that has only managed seven clean sheets in the last 25 matches. A 2‑0 defeat to Slovakia sparked a fresh debate over Nagelsmann’s frequent lineup changes and raised worries that the nation’s key players are being rotated too often.
The latest headline‑making move is the return of Borussia Dortmund’s central defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The 25‑year‑old, who spent several months out with a serious knee injury, was recently named in the squad after a successful rehab. Nagelsmann said the team urgently needs a left‑footed centre‑back who can swiftly distribute the ball to the midfield, a role that is already weakened by the absence of Real Madrid’s veteran Antonio Rüdiger.
Potential alternatives such as Bayern Munich’s Jonathan Tah, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Robin Koch and Newcastle United’s Malick Thiaw are struggling with form, and Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton still lacks international experience. This situation is far from the depth that helped Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when the side had a strong group of central defenders to choose from. Nagelsmann is still looking for suitable full‑backs as well.
With eight months to go until the 2026 tournament in North America, Germany still feels like a work in progress. The pressure is on, especially after Slovakia’s loss, because the two upcoming qualifiers will decide whether the team can secure the wins it needs.
Dortmund coach and former Croatian international Niko Kovac praised Schlotterbeck as “the country’s best central defender” and stressed the importance of managing his workload. The defender was recently rested during a Champions League match to keep him fit for national duty. The relationship between the two coaches reportedly got tense as Nagelsmann weighed the decision to start Schlotterbeck against the underdogs in Luxembourg.
The squad shortage deepens with the illness of goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. Nagelsmann called in Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu to add cover. Some pundits, including former internationals Matthias Sammer and Lothar Matthaus, even suggested a comeback for retired great Manuel Neuer, asking, “Why leave out the best?”
After Luxembourg on Friday in Sinsheim, Germany will face Northern Ireland on Monday at a crucial point in the qualification campaign. With the loss to Slovakia fresh in mind, any mistakes could mean two victories in a row are essential—regardless of whether Schlotterbeck starts the first game. The German squad’s next steps will shape the country’s chance to land future World Cup glory.
Source: ianslive
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