Germany has two crucial matches remaining in their World Cup qualifying campaign. To secure the two wins needed to advance, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has announced his final squad for the upcoming fixtures.
Cologne’s 19-year-old rising star, Said El Mala, has been a notable inclusion in Germany’s final World Cup qualifying squad. The young winger, who was selected for the team’s final two qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia, has quickly caught the attention of the national coaching staff. Despite having only played nine Bundesliga games, with just two starts, El Mala has already made an impact with four goals and two assists. His performance has been enough to convince Nagelsmann that he is worth a closer look.
Born in Krefeld, El Mala joined Cologne in the summer of 2024 but spent the previous season on loan at Viktoria, their third-division city rivals. He has since become a key player for Cologne, contributing significantly to the team’s impressive start to the new Bundesliga season. As a newly promoted side, they are currently just outside the top six. In addition to his club performances, El Mala has also represented Germany’s U21 team on four occasions.
Nagelsmann expressed confidence in El Mala’s potential, stating, “Said El Mala should show us his carefree and lighthearted side.”
Germany’s squad includes several familiar faces, including Leroy Sané, who is returning to the national team for the first time since his move to Galatasaray. Malick Thiaw is also making a comeback after a two-year absence. However, some players were left out, such as Robert Andrich, Robin Koch, and Maximilian Beier. Additionally, in-form Bayern Munich prospects Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl were not included in the squad.
After a strong victory against Luxembourg and a hard-fought away win in Belfast, Germany remains at the top of Group A. However, they are only ahead of Slovakia on goal difference. The next match against Luxembourg is expected to be a straightforward win, with Germany set to wear their new World Cup jersey for the occasion. The final group stage game in Leipzig against Slovakia will be a critical showdown for the automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.
The German squad will convene in Wolfsburg on Monday as they prepare for the final stretch of their World Cup qualifying campaign. With high expectations and a tight race for the top spot, the team will need to deliver consistent performances to secure their place in the next World Cup.