Germany will host Ghana in an international friendly at Stuttgart on Monday evening, serving as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST, following Germany's recent 4-3 victory over Switzerland and Ghana's 5-1 loss to Austria. Both teams feature players with German roots amid injury challenges.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasized the importance of a clean sheet ahead of the clash, while expressing confidence in a win against opponents in poor form. His side came from behind three times to beat Switzerland, with Liverpool's Florian Wirtz scoring twice and assisting two goals, including the 85th-minute winner. Nagelsmann noted Wirtz's potential for more intensity despite limited club rhythm. Nick Woltemade is set to start, and Deniz Undav is expected to play due to his Bundesliga scoring form, while injuries sideline Jonas Urbig, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Felix Nmecha. Alexander Nubel will start in goal as a reward for form on loan at Stuttgart from Bayern Munich. Joshua Kimmich nears milestones with his 108th cap and potentially 105th start. Florian Wirtz showed glimpses of what he’s capable of, but he can play with even more intensity and do better. Ghana coach Otto Addo faces pressure after the heavy defeat, with calls for his departure despite qualification via 25 points from 10 matches. Their World Cup group includes Panama, England, and Croatia. Derrick Kohn, a Union Berlin left-back born in Hamburg, highlighted his special connection with Addo, who coached him in youth ranks at Hamburger SV. Kohn qualifies through his parents and noted German dialect in team talks. Injuries kept Inaki Williams and Brandon Thomas-Asante out, but Alexander Djiku, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Thomas Partey returned. Predicted lineups feature Germany's Nubel, Kimmich, Rudiger, Wirtz, and Woltemade against Ghana's Ati-Zigi, Kohn, Partey, and Semenyo. Historically, Germany hold an unbeaten record in four meetings, including a 1-0 World Cup win in 2010. Ghana have lost their last three games and struggle against non-African sides.
