Germany defeats Switzerland in preparation for the 2026 World Cup

Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz led his country, Germany, to their first win on Swiss soil since 2008, a thrilling 4-3 victory with two goals and two assists in an international friendly as both sides prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

First win since 2008

 Germany hadn't won in Switzerland since a friendly in March 2008 when they returned with a resounding 4-0 victory. However, they started the Basel match in the worst possible way, falling behind in the 17th minute to a goal by Dan N'Doye after a counter-attack and a pass from Granit Xhaka.

But Julian Nagelsmann's men responded quickly, equalising in the 26th minute through Jonathan Tah's header after a corner kick from Wirtz.

Switzerland regained the lead in the 41st minute with a header from Breel Embolo following a cross from Silvan Widmer, but Serge Gnabry leveled again just before halftime after another Wirtz assist (45+2).

Wirtz's efforts in the second half were rewarded when he put Germany ahead in the 61st minute with a long-range shot from a tight angle after a corner kick from Gnabry.

After Switzerland fought back and equalised through substitute Joel Almada Monteiro with a long-range effort (79), Wirtz struck again, securing the victory for his country with his second goal in the 85th minute after a pass from Pascal Gross.

Preparations throughout the spring

 Germany also plays Ghana in Stuttgart on Tuesday, followed by Finland in Mainz on May 31, before travelling to the United States for a final friendly against the host nation on June 6 in Chicago.

The four-time world champions, who were eliminated in the first round of the last two editions, begin their CONCACAF World Cup campaign on June 14 against Curaçao in Group E, which also includes Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

Switzerland, who play Norway on Tuesday and Jordan on May 31, will compete in Group B alongside Qatar, co-hosts Canada, and the winner of the European playoff between Italy and Bosnia.