The Daily Star Ireland
Germany look to reignite their qualifying campaign when they host Luxembourg at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg. The four-time world champions were stunned by Slovakia in their opening fixture but remain favorites to bounce back strongly against one of Europe’s smaller footballing nations. Luxembourg, meanwhile, are battling to stay competitive in a tough group, having suffered consecutive defeats to Northern Ireland and Slovakia.
Match Preview
Germany’s start to the World Championship 2026 qualifiers has been far from ideal. Julian Nagelsmann’s men opened with a disappointing 2–0 loss in Slovakia, exposing defensive gaps and a lack of attacking cohesion. They managed to steady the ship shortly after with a 3–1 home victory over Northern Ireland, but they still trail group leaders Slovakia by three points. The pressure is on — another slip could seriously harm their hopes of securing automatic qualification.
Earlier in the year, Germany endured a frustrating Nations League campaign, finishing last in their group after back-to-back defeats to Portugal (1–2) and France (0–2). That poor form has prompted Nagelsmann to blend youth and experience, seeking stability while key players remain sidelined.
Luxembourg, on the other hand, continue to punch above their weight despite limited resources. The Red Lions have shown flashes of determination but remain rooted to the bottom of the group after losses to Northern Ireland (1–3) and Slovakia (0–1). Luc Holtz’s side struggles to maintain defensive structure for 90 minutes, often undone by lapses in concentration and fatigue against technically superior teams. Their Nations League run was equally underwhelming, as they finished bottom of Group C behind Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, and Belarus.
Team Form & Recent Results
Germany (Last 5 matches): W L L W D
Luxembourg (Last 5 matches): L L D W L
Germany’s home record remains strong — six wins from their last eight matches in all competitions. Luxembourg, by contrast, have won only three of their previous 19 away qualifiers, highlighting their struggles on foreign soil.
Head-to-Head Record
The history of this fixture heavily favors Germany. The Mannschaft are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Luxembourg, winning three of the previous four by comfortable margins. Luxembourg’s last competitive goal against Germany dates back over two decades.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Germany (4-2-3-1 expected): Trapp – Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum, Henrichs – Kimmich, Goretzka – Wirtz, Gnabry, Sané – Havertz
Unavailable: Ter Stegen, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt, Kehrer, Groß, Musiala, Füllkrug, Undav, Kleindienst
Luxembourg (5-3-2 expected): Moris – Carlson, Korac, Dzogovic, Jans, Pinto – Barreiro, Thill, Olesen – Sinani, Rodrigues
Unavailable: Gerson Rodrigues, Lars Gerson, Mica Pinto
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Nagelsmann’s approach will focus on possession dominance and rapid transitions through midfield. With Musiala unavailable, Florian Wirtz takes on creative duties behind Kai Havertz, while Serge Gnabry’s direct running remains a key attacking weapon. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will anchor the midfield, offering both control and defensive cover.
Defensively, the absence of Rüdiger and Ter Stegen is significant, but Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck provide solid replacements. Expect Germany to press high and exploit Luxembourg’s defensive frailties, particularly down the flanks.
For Luxembourg, the emphasis will be on organization and counterattacks. Moris, their dependable goalkeeper, will likely face heavy pressure. Danel Sinani and Gerson Rodrigues (if fit) are the primary outlets on the break, supported by Barreiro’s work rate in midfield. However, sustaining long periods without possession will test their endurance.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result: Germany (1.07) | Draw (10.50) | Luxembourg (26.00)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 (1.45)
- Both Teams to Score: No (1.40)
Betting Insights:
- Germany have scored at least two goals in seven of their last eight home games.
- Luxembourg have failed to score in four of their last five competitive matches.
- Germany have never lost to Luxembourg in official competition.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Venue: Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg
Date & Time: October 10, 2025 – 20:45 CET
Broadcast: RTL (Germany), RTL Play (Luxembourg), UEFA.tv (Global)
Prediction: Germany vs Luxembourg, World Championship 2026 Qualifiers
Germany should have little trouble asserting their dominance at home, even with several key players sidelined. Expect early pressure, clinical finishing, and total control of possession. Luxembourg’s resilience might keep the scoreline respectable for a while, but the gulf in class will eventually show.
