Florian Wirtz scored twice and assisted twice as Germany came from behind twice to beat Switzerland 4-3 in a thrilling World Cup preparatory friendly at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. The 21-year-old Liverpool midfielder described it as his standout international display, while coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the attack but noted defensive issues.
Germany secured a 4-3 victory (2-2 halftime) over Switzerland in the first international friendly of the 2026 FIFA World Cup year, played before 34,316 spectators at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. Liverpool's Florian Wirtz was the star of the show, contributing to all four goals with two exceptional strikes and two assists. This marked six goal involvements for Wirtz across his last two national team appearances and ended Germany's 18-year win drought against Switzerland (first win since 4-0 friendly in 2008).
Switzerland struck first in the 17th minute through Dan Ndoye (assist: Granit Xhaka) after a defensive error by Nico Schlotterbeck. Germany equalized in the 26th minute when Jonathan Tah headed in Wirtz's cross for his first international goal. Breel Embolo restored the hosts' lead in the 41st minute via a header from Silvan Widmer, but Serge Gnabry leveled just before halftime (45+2) with a finish from Wirtz's lofted pass.
In the second half, Wirtz curled Germany ahead from distance in the 62nd minute. Switzerland equalized through Joel Monteiro in the 78th, but Wirtz sealed the win in the 86th minute with a strike assisted by Pascal Gross.
Germany lined up with Oliver Baumann in goal; defenders Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, David Raum; midfielders Angelo Stiller, Leon Goretzka; forwards Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz, Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz. Switzerland started with Gregor Kobel in goal; defenders Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; midfielders Simon Sohm, Fabian Rieder, Granit Xhaka; forwards Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.
Reflecting afterward, Wirtz called it his best showing for Germany: “Probably, yes. With this many goal involvements, yes.” On his goals, he said, “For the first goal, I’d be lying if I said I meant for it to go exactly there, but I’ll take it. On the second goal, you can see that’s exactly where I wanted the ball to go.” Looking ahead, he added, “Of course, we all want to reach the final and bring the World Cup home. We know it will be tough, but we have a great squad and we don’t need to hide. We have a very good team and very good defenders. It’s been quite some time since we played together. The goals we conceded were avoidable. We’ll work on improving that.”
Nagelsmann praised Wirtz: “Flo scored a couple of exceptional goals, that has to be said. Flo has made extraordinary goals. We know he has a brutal shot and super creativity.” However, he highlighted defensive concerns: “Switzerland certainly made the most of their few chances. But defensively, things weren’t always good today. We were too passive at times. That has to be pointed out quite clearly. Overall, though, we deserved to win. We created many big chances against a team that usually concede very little. I think we could have scored many more goals.” Defensive lapses were evident, particularly from Schlotterbeck and goalkeeper Baumann, while Kai Havertz had chances but didn't score. Germany wore new blue away kits.
Switzerland were unbeaten since a November 2024 Nations League loss to Spain and had scored in 12 of 13 prior games. Germany, in World Cup Group E with four straight clean sheets entering (13-0 aggregate), next face Ghana at home in Stuttgart on Monday. Switzerland, in Group B, visit Norway on Tuesday.
