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Germany XI vs Slovakia – Predicted lineup and team news

Slovakia begin their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a daunting challenge against Germany at the Tehelné pole in Bratislava on Thursday.

The Falcons host the four-time world champions on home soil in their opening Group A fixture, with the visitors heavily favoured to secure top spot in a group also featuring Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

There could be international debuts for several players in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, while Slovakia will be hoping to build on their impressive Euro 2024 campaign under Francesco Calzona’s guidance.

Germany predicted lineup and team news vs Slovakia

Germany Team News

Finn Dahmen receives his first senior call-up, with the Augsburg goalkeeper set to provide cover after Marc-André ter Stegen’s long-term injury. Oliver Baumann has been confirmed as Germany’s number one for the qualifiers by Julian Nagelsmann.

Nnamdi Collins and Paul Nebel are also handed debut call-ups, with both players impressing during Germany’s U21 European Championship final run this summer. The Eintracht Frankfurt defender and Mainz midfielder add fresh options to Nagelsmann’s squad.

Nick Woltemade could make his first competitive start for Germany after his €75 million move to Newcastle. The 23-year-old striker has impressed at youth level and represents a potential long-term solution to Germany’s centre-forward position.

Antonio Rüdiger returns to the squad after missing recent fixtures, providing experience alongside Jonathan Tah in central defence. Leroy Sané has been omitted following his move to Turkish side Galatasaray, with Nagelsmann demanding higher standards from players outside Europe’s top leagues.