Germany calls up Brown, eligible for the US, for World Cup qualifiers

Nagelsmann Calls Up Nathaniel Brown to Revitalize Germany in 2026 World Cup Qualifying

In an attempt to right the ship in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, German coach Julian Nagelsmann has turned to a player with the possibility of representing the United States. The left-back, Nathaniel “Nene” Brown, has been called up by Germany for the qualifying matches on October 10 against Luxembourg and October 13 against Northern Ireland. Nagelsmann described him as “a great talent in defense”.

• These matches are crucial for Germany, which is in third place in its group after losing its first match against Slovakia last month.

Brown, 22, is eligible for both nations, but playing for Germany in an official match over the age of 20 would close the door on the possibility of representing the United States in the future.

Brown was born in Germany, the son of an American father and a German mother, and plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. He was a key player in the German U-21 team that lost the European Championship final to England in June.

In a video published by Frankfurt in July, Brown stated: “Of course, there was contact, but I was born in Germany and have played for the under-21s”.

Nathaniel Brown

Given Antonio Rüdiger’s injury absence from Real Madrid, Nagelsmann will rely on Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck to maintain defensive solidity. Schlotterbeck returned this month from a five-month injury absence.

Nagelsmann stated: “Even if we are still missing some players, we are convinced that our team has the quality to do better than it has done recently. With Toni Rüdiger out, it is enormously important to have Nico Schlotterbeck back”.

Julian Nagelsmann

Nick Woltemade, from Newcastle, could be the starting striker after Nagelsmann left Niclas Füllkrug out. Leroy Sané will not be available after his signing for Turkish Galatasaray, while Dortmund midfielder Pascal Groß will also miss the match.