Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday pledged changes to his side for Sunday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Cologne after falling to a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia.

Four-time world champions Germany have set their sights firmly on winning the 2026 World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Wednesday ahead of their first qualifier against Slovakia on Thursday.

Roma defender Mats Hummels, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, is set to retire at the end of the season, he announced on social media on Friday.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Thursday recalled the in-form Leon Goretzka and Karim Adeyemi to his squad for the two-legged Nations League quarter-final tie with Italy.

Former Germany, Real Madrid and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, who retired in 2023, was elected Sunday to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) party of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the party announced.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen said Thursday the end of a 12-year wait to succeed Manuel Neuer as Germany's number one goalie felt like "a balm for the soul".

Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Mueller has shot down rumours of a pending international retirement, saying on Monday he will "always be available" for selection.