Germany faces relegation in Nations League after Klopp's first defeat

First Klopp setback: After the 0-1 loss to Greece, the DFB team is under early pressure in the Nations League, because Germany has only one point from two games and sits in third place. After the first setback under Jürgen Klopp, a relegation from League A looms in the worst case. Jürgen Klopp's start is anything but according to plan.

Early pressure after the defeat

After the 0-1 loss to Greece, the German national team has only one point from two group matches and sits in third place in Group 2 of the Nations League League A. The gap to group leader Greece is already five points, while the Netherlands are three points ahead of Germany. Serbia, after two defeats, is further behind and will meet on Thursday, October 1, as the next opponent.

Captain Joshua Kimmich emphasizes the precarious situation: “Unfortunately we have only taken one point. Accordingly, we are not in an optimal position. We now have to make sure we win the next games, because we obviously want to finish first or second.” He adds that the goal of becoming first is currently far away.

Thus the starting point is clear: In the remaining four group matches Germany must make up ground significantly. The goal remains a place among the top two teams, because that would mean direct qualification to the Nations League quarter‑finals.

Nations League miracle postponed – Greece punishes Germany's blunder

Possible consequences for the Nations League

If the German eleven miss the top two places, their future in League A depends on the exact placement. As one of the two best third‑placed teams, Germany would remain in the top tier and start directly in the qualification for the 2028 European Championship in March.

For the two weakest third‑placed teams as well as the two best fourth‑placed teams, a relegation playoff against a second‑placed team from League B would be required. A win in this duel would secure staying in League A.

However, if Germany finishes as one of the two worst fourth‑placed teams, a direct relegation to League B would occur. Consequently, the next Nations League edition would have to be played in the second‑highest tier.

Jürgen Klopp's second match: DFB team suffers historic defeat

The first Klopp setback shows that a poor start and an early deficit can quickly lead to existential questions – while a successful run would secure qualification for the 2028 European Championship. The upcoming matches will decide whether Germany can avert the “bad consequences.”