Joshua Kimmich can do it all: Germany captain grabs brace in crucial World Cup qualifier as Serge Gnabry shines

Julian Nagelsmann named a strong side for Germany's third 2026 World Cup qualifier with Nick Woltemade, Joshua Kimmich and Florian Wirtz among those to start for Die Mannschaft in order to limit any hopes of a potential upset on home turf. Germany understandably started the Group A clash on the front foot as they looked to wrap up the three points as quickly as possible.

Woltemade thought he'd put Germany ahead early on as Serge Gnabry's effort was turned past Anthony Morris by the Newcastle striker, though the effort was struck off for a handball against the towering forward. Luxembourg's resolve lasted until the 12th minute as David Raum fired a fine free-kick past Morris for his first goal for Germany. And the visitors' evening went from bad to worse in the 20th minute as Dirk Carlson was shown a red for handball in the area.

Kimmich sent Morris the wrong way to double Germany's advantage from the spot, and from there on out, it was an easy 90 minutes for the home side. While Germany were unable to add to their two-goal advantage before the break, a quickfire double from Gnabry and Kimmich shortly after the restart settled the tie as a contest.

Nagelsmann's side continued to huff and puff to put up a big score, but in truth, they didn't need to go through the gears to secure all the spoils in an encounter that better resembled a training session for Germany. 

Skipper Kimmich put in a captain's performance as Germany eased to victory in their 2026 World Cup qualifier. The Bayern star kept his composure to double Germany's advantage from the spot before adding his second in the 50th minute. The 30-year-old worked tirelessly down the right to keep play ticking over and was rarely troubled as Luxembourg struggled to gain a foothold in a game against the European heavyweights.

Luxembourg's hopes of securing a positive result in Germany were effectively extinguished midway through the first half when Dirk Carlson was handed his marching orders. The 27-year-old handled the ball inside the box as Serge Gnabry looked to bring down a Florian Wirtz ball into the box. Referee Nenad Minakovic subsequently awarded Germany a penalty, which was dispatched with ease by Kimmich, and sent Carlson off to make a nigh-on impossible task insurmountable for the Red Lions.