Karim Adeyemi (R) of Germany vies with Florian Bohnert of Luxembourg during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

BERLIN, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) — Germany delivered a commanding display to sweep aside Luxembourg 4-0 and move to the top of their World Cup qualifying group on Friday.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side showed clear intent from the opening whistle, dictating the tempo and pushing high up the pitch. Within minutes, Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich tested goalkeeper Anthony Moris with a curling effort, while Serge Gnabry’s early strike was ruled out for handball in the build-up. The breakthrough came soon after when RB Leipzig’s David Raum curled a stunning free kick into the bottom corner for his first international goal.

The visitors’ task grew even harder moments later. Defender Dirk Carlson was sent off for handling in the box, and Kimmich coolly converted the resulting penalty to double Germany’s advantage midway through the first half. The home side continued to pile forward, with Karim Adeyemi and Nick Woltemade both missing chances to extend the lead before halftime as Luxembourg dropped deeper to limit the damage.

Germany’s dominance carried over after the restart. Gnabry struck just three minutes into the second half, unleashing a fierce drive after being set up by Adeyemi. Seconds later, Kimmich was on hand again, reacting quickest to a loose ball from a corner to make it 4-0 and secure his brace. Florian Wirtz came close to adding a fifth when his curling free kick rattled the post, while substitute Jonathan Burkardt twice threatened late on but couldn’t find the net.

With two wins from two, they now lead Group A on goal difference ahead of Northern Ireland and Slovakia, who are level on points. The focus now turns to Belfast, where Germany will face Northern Ireland in what promises to be a key clash in the race for qualification on Monday.

“Today it was finally time for my first international goal. I had a good feeling from the start. Scoring for the first time in my 31st match is an incredible feeling. It was important that we showed up and took an early lead. We barely allowed anything, though we could’ve been more precise up front,” David Raum said. ■

David Raum (C) of Germany celebrates scoring during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Players of Germany celebrate scoring during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Leon Goretzka (3rd L) of Germany shoots during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Nathaniel Brown (R) of Germany vies with Eldin Dzogovic of Luxembourg during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Serge Gnabry (front L) of Germany shoots during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Serge Gnabry (R) of Germany vies with Dirk Carlson of Luxembourg during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Joshua Kimmich (2nd L) and Aleksandar Pavlovic (3rd L) of Germany celebrate scoring during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of Germany, celebrates during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Joshua Kimmich (front L) of Germany shoots to score during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Karim Adeyemi (R) of Germany vies with Florian Bohnert of Luxembourg during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Nick Woltemade (R) of Germany shoots during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers football match between Germany and Luxembourg in Sinsheim, Germany, Oct. 10, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)