Klopp’s Germany have earned just one win from four matches, leaving their Nations League quarter‑final hopes hanging. Can they still qualify with two games left in November?
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Klopp’s experimental first squads at the helm have earned Germany five points from those first four outings, having drawn 1-1 in the Netherlands, lost 1-0 at home to Greece, beaten Serbia 2-0 and then playing out a goalless draw in Greece.
The Netherlands and Greece top Group A2 with eight points and a +2 goal difference each. Xavi’s Dutch lead the way on goals scored. Serbia are yet to get a result and are bottom.
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The top two in each League A group advance to the quarter-finals in 2027.
The four fourth-placed teams across the groups form their own ranking, with the two worst performers being relegated to League B. The better two teams and the two worst performing third-placed teams across the four groups will contest the play-offs against four teams from League B. The two third-placed teams with the best records are safe in League A for the next edition.
This format for promotion/relegation has changed from previous years to allow for the reduction of four leagues to three for the 2028/29 edition, with 18 teams across each of the three leagues.
Bearing this in mind, Serbia can no longer finish in the top two of Group A2. The Netherlands and Greece cannot finish bottom and be automatically relegated. Germany’s fate is still wide open and could well be affected by every single goal scored.
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Serbia vs Germany – 13 Nov
Germany vs Netherlands – 16 Nov
Victory in Belgrade and Berlin would lift them to 11 points. Yet the Dutch and Greeks could also finish level, as the Netherlands host Germany and Greece host Serbia. Home wins for each side wouldn’t be surprising.
If either rival falters and Germany does its part, the trio would split the top two and advance in March. Should all three remain equal on points, the tie‑breakers listed below apply.
- Head‑to‑head record (excluding Serbia) – Germany already know they would lose to Greece here.
- Goal difference in head‑to‑head matches
- Goals scored in head‑to‑head matches
- Overall group goal difference
- Total goals scored in the group
- Away goals scored in the group
- Games won
- Away wins
- Disciplinary record
- Higher placement in the 2026/27 Nations League access list
Within Group A2 this scenario means each team has one win over another, so goal difference decides. A single goal in Berlin could tip the balance between Germany and the Netherlands.
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Which players will Jürgen Klopp turn to for the final two games of the Nations League’s group stage in November? – Alexander Hassenstein –>
Even two straight wins might not guarantee a top‑two slot; Germany could still drop to a relegation play‑off, though 11 points would likely secure safety. In my view, Klopp’s margin for error is vanishing. If relegated, their campaign ends and the next test comes in Euro 2028 qualifying in March.