Germany seeks first Nations League win under Jürgen Klopp against Serbia

Germany seeks first victory under Klopp

The German men's national football team faces Serbia on Thursday, 1 October 2026, in the third round of the UEFA Nations League group stage. The match kicks off at 20:45 and represents a key test for Germany, which is still searching for its first victory since Jürgen Klopp took charge as head coach. Germany collected only one point from its opening two matches in September, beginning the group phase with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before dropping points in a 0-1 defeat to Greece. Serbia enters the encounter in fourth place, having lost both of its opening fixtures to Greece and the Netherlands without collecting a point. Both sides need a victory on Thursday evening to stay in contention for quarter-final spots and avoid the lower positions in Group A2.

Group A2 standings and tournament format

The Group A2 table reflects the difficult start for the German team after two completed matchdays. Greece occupies first place with six points from two consecutive victories, while the Netherlands holds second place with four points. Germany currently sits in third place with one point, and Serbia remains at the bottom of the group with zero points. Under the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 format, the group winners and runners-up advance directly to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the two weakest third-placed teams across the top tier must compete in play-offs to maintain their League A status.

Full fixture list across Nations League divisions

Thursday's international schedule features a total of eight matches across Leagues A, B, and D, split into two kick-off windows at 18:00 and 20:45. Four encounters take place in the top flight at 20:45, including the other Group A2 fixture between Greece and the Netherlands. In another League A section, group leaders Portugal, who hold six points from two games, travel to face Denmark, who sit level on three points with Norway. Norway simultaneously visits Wales at 20:45. In League B, Republic of Ireland hosts Austria and Israel plays against Kosovo, while League D action begins at 18:00 with Azerbaijan hosting Liechtenstein before Malta meets Gibraltar at 20:45.

Television broadcast coverage and Mertesacker farewell

German public broadcaster ZDF holds the domestic broadcast rights for Germany versus Serbia, offering live coverage on free-to-air television and through its online livestream platform. The studio broadcast features presenter Breyer alongside television experts Christoph Kramer and Per Mertesacker. The fixture marks the final television broadcast as an expert for Mertesacker, who has worked for ZDF in that role since September 2020. The former German international will conclude his television work ahead of taking up his appointment as Managing Director of Sport at the DFB in January 2027. Following the live broadcast, ZDF will air match summaries until 23:30, covering Greece against the Netherlands and Denmark against Portugal, the latter of which also broadcasts free-to-air in Italy on Canale 20.