Thomas Müller, former striker of the German national team, urged the players to show a strong reaction after their shaky start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Müller told Magenta TV that he is convinced the team has the will and ability to make a strong comeback and qualify directly for the World Cup finals next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Germany lost their opening qualifier 2-0 against Slovakia, then secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. Germany will host Luxembourg later on Friday, then travel to face Northern Ireland on Monday before playing their last two matches in November in Luxembourg and against Slovakia.

Only the group leader qualifies directly for the World Cup finals, and Müller, who won the 2014 World Cup, said: “There is a lot of pressure after the recent international matches in September.”

He added, “Above all, I expect a disciplined performance that shows the fans and players what’s at stake, which is winning three points in every match.”

He continued, “There is a lot of dissatisfaction, which is justified, when Germany loses to Slovakia in a competitive qualifier by two goals. We never felt the match was close; we have to think about that.”

Müller, 36, said: “In a footballing nation like Germany, protests were expected, and now that it has happened, it’s about the reaction and what awaits us.”

The former Bayern Munich star also expressed confidence in the players’ ability to make a qualitative leap.

He said, “I believe the players will face this firmly and will not only show their ability to play well but also achieve results that will secure their qualification easily.”