Klopp must win two games in November to reach Nations League quarter‑final

After the 0-0 in Thessaloniki, the German national team sits with five points in third place in the Nations League. National team coach Jürgen Klopp must secure wins in the remaining two group matches to reach the quarter‑finals – a scenario that can prove complicated.

Games in November decide

On 13 November, Germany will face the hosts in Serbia, and on 16 November the DFB eleven will host the Netherlands in Berlin. Only if both matches are won does the quarter‑final remain in Germany’s own hands and opens the chance for the final tournament in June 2027.

Dangerous tie situation

Even with two wins, Germany could be eliminated from the tournament in the event of a points tie with the Netherlands and Greece, because the head‑to‑head record, the goal difference from the duels and finally the overall goal difference decide. Germany has already lost the two‑team comparison with Greece (0‑1 in the first leg, 0‑0 in Thessaloniki).

A realistic scenario shows that with wins in both German games, a Dutch win against Greece and a Greek success against Serbia, all three teams would have eleven points. Then every goal would make the difference, with a two‑goal advantage possibly required against the Netherlands.

Klopp said after the return match in Thessaloniki that he had “not thought a single second” about the November games, underscoring the uncertainty of the situation.

If Germany ultimately finishes in third place, a comparison with the other third‑placed teams of League A follows. The two better third‑placed teams qualify directly for the Euro 2028 qualification, while the lower‑ranked ones fall into relegation playoffs against a second‑placed team from League B.