Woltemade eyes 2026 World Cup place following fresh goal for Germany

Nick Woltemade expressed optimism about earning a position in the 2026 World Cup team after netting another goal during Germany's emphatic 6-0 triumph against Slovakia in Leipzig on Monday.

"We feel a sense of relief. This is an incredible time," Woltemade commented. "I am getting game time, finding the net, and I hope to feature in the World Cup."

The forward from Newcastle got the game underway with his strike on Monday, while Leroy Sane claimed two goals, and Serge Gnabry, Ridle Baku, plus Assan Ouedraogo also contributed to the scoreline.

At 23 years old, Woltemade has notched four goals across his last three appearances for Germany, which include the decisive strikes versus Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

Eighteen months back, he was an unused substitute at Werder Bremen, yet Woltemade earned his first senior cap for the national side in June. Amid absences of key forwards such as Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Tim Kleindienst, and Niclas Fuellkrug, he has become essential to manager Julian Nagelsmann.

"Its difficult to put into words, but representing Germany is always a privilege," he shared with ZDF.

"I progressed through every youth level, and now I am part of the first team."

This showing marks another step in the swift ascent of the 1.98 metre high forward, who transferred from Stuttgart to Premier League club Newcastle during the summer for an estimated 75 million euros (86 million dollars).

"For numerous players here, it will mark our debut World Cup," Nagelsmann remarked to the media. "It is my initial one too. This event holds immense importance in the sport, and I am eager for it."

Germany skipper Joshua Kimmich, experienced from two prior World Cups, stated to ZDF: "The whole squad aimed to make a strong statement today, fully aware of the implications: securing World Cup qualification.

"I reminded the team that competing in a World Cup represents the pinnacle of any players career."