Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praises his team’s progress in the World Cup qualifiers, despite injury absences, as they top Group A with nine points.

Germany’s World Cup qualifying campaign is off to a strong start, with the team topping Group A after securing wins over Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Julian Nagelsmann expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress, despite being without several key players due to injuries.

The 1-0 win over Northern Ireland, sealed by Nick Woltemade’s first international goal, puts Germany on nine points, ahead of Slovakia on goal difference. Northern Ireland trails in third place with six points. Nagelsmann’s side will face Luxembourg on November 14 and host Slovakia three days later in their next fixtures.

“We have done more than in the weeks before,” Nagelsmann said. “We have talked with the players. We have taken steps forward as a team.” Despite missing several top players, including Jamal Musiala, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Kai Havertz, Nagelsmann is confident in his team’s abilities.

The German coach has already identified over a dozen players who could potentially make the World Cup squad. “Obviously, we already have the squad ahead of the World Cup in our heads,” Nagelsmann said. “But the first thing is the qualification.”

Germany’s current squad structure is taking shape, with 15 or 16 players having worked together for about two years. This familiarity will be crucial as they push for World Cup qualification.

The group winners will qualify automatically for the finals, while the runners-up will advance to the playoffs. With their current momentum, Germany looks poised to secure a spot in the World Cup.