A hectic friendly in Basel produced seven goals, 14 substitutions and not a single card as Germany edged Switzerland 4-3, with two and a half months left before the 2026 World Cup. Selection debates continue ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, but Florian Wirtz made a forceful case for inclusion.
Wirtz finished with two goals and two assists. His early cross led to Jonathan Tah’s first international goal, and he played the pass that put Serge Gnabry on the scoresheet. Gnabry’s curled effort before half-time and Wirtz’s composed strike from the edge of the box proved decisive in a match that swung back and forth.
“Flo’s goals were exceptional,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “We know he is super creative.” Midfielder Leon Goretzka added: “You saw his class today. You can see it from his first touch for his second goal, and to place the ball in the top corner like he did was superb.”
At 22, Wirtz has become a regular alongside Jamal Musiala since Euro 2024; the duo are often dubbed “Wusiala.” He has produced important moments in recent qualifiers, breaking deadlocks against Northern Ireland and contributing against Slovakia. A difficult start to life at Liverpool has given way to improved form, and in Germany’s dark blue away kit he offered a leader-by-example display. Asked if this was his best game for Germany, Wirtz admitted it “probably was,” while noting the squad still needs more cohesion.
Defensive issues, though, remain worrying. Switzerland were clinical — three goals from three shots on target — and Germany’s buildup left gaps. Nico Schlotterbeck’s mistakes directly contributed to Swiss goals, renewing questions about a defensive pecking order that has seen the young Dortmund centre-back leapfrog veteran Antonio Rüdiger. For a side long criticised for shallow defensive options, those lapses are a reminder of the challenges that await against elite opponents.
There were encouraging attacking signs beyond Wirtz. Kai Havertz returned for the first time since November 2024 and showed promising touches, while Gnabry reinforced his place with a fine goal. Bayern youngster Lennart Karl made his international debut off the bench. Quick corners and slick passing at times offered useful variation.
Ultimately Wirtz reclaimed the narrative when Germany needed an inspirational spark, lifting teammates and helping the side recover whenever they were pegged back. The performance boosted optimism about Germany’s attacking potential, even as defensive frailties remain a concern.
Edited by: Matt Ford