7M - International Friendlies Preview: Germany vs Finland - prediction, team news, lineups

Germany continue their preparations for the 2026 World Cup when they play host to Finland in an international friendly at the MEWA Arena in Mainz on Sunday.

Julian Nagelsmann's side are gearing up for Group E action at this summer's showpiece event in North America, while the visitors are left playing for pride after failing to book their ticket to the tournament.

Match Preview

Germany initially endured a worrying start to their World Cup qualifying cycle, failing to win three consecutive matches (L2, D1). However, Die Mannschaft turned their fortunes around in spectacular fashion, racking up five straight victories to secure the top spot in Group A.

That winning streak has now extended to seven games across all competitions, including impressive friendly triumphs over Switzerland (4-3) and Ghana (2-1) during the March international break. With the World Cup just around the corner, Nagelsmann will be determined to maintain this momentum. Following Sunday's clash, Germany face a tight schedule, jetting off to the United States on June 2 to face the tournament co-hosts in Chicago four days later before their official group opener against Curacao on June 14.

In sharp contrast, Finland's quest to qualify for their first-ever World Cup ended in heartbreak. Suomi looked competitive early on, sitting level on points with Poland after collecting seven points from their opening four qualifiers. However, their campaign fell apart with three defeats in their final four matches, leaving them seven points adrift of a playoff spot.

While recent outings have shown further instability—including a disappointing loss to group minnows Malta and a penalty shootout defeat against Cape Verde—Jacob Friis's men will view this high-profile friendly as a crucial building block to find defensive cohesion ahead of their Nations League campaign starting in September. History is heavily stacked against them, though, as Finland are searching for their first win over Germany since July 1972, having failed to win any of their last 14 encounters (L9, D5).

Team News

Germany will be missing legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The Bayern Munich captain recently reversed his international retirement but is sitting this one out as a precaution while recovering from a minor calf strain. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann is locked in to start between the sticks.

The hosts are also missing star forward Kai Havertz, who is unavailable due to his commitments with Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League final. In his absence, youngster Nick Woltemade is expected to lead the line, supported by a fluid, high-scoring attacking trio of Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz.

Finland boast a relatively clean bill of health, though 1. FC Nuernberg midfielder Adam Markhiyev remains a slight doubt as he manages the lingering effects of a broken nose.

The visitors will rely heavily on veteran goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who is set to earn his 104th international cap. He will marshal an expected back three of Nikolai Alho, Ville Koski, and Samuli Miettinen to absorb the heavy German pressure, while 31-year-old striker Joel Pohjanpalo will shoulder the goalscoring burden up front.

Predicted Lineups

Germany possible starting lineup:
Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Goretzka, Stiller; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Woltemade

Finland possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Alho, Koski, Miettinen; Skytta, Suhonen, Markhiyev, Walta, Lahteenmaki; Pohjanpalo, Antman

Match Prediction: Germany 2-0 Finland

Germany are overwhelmingly superior on paper and are highly motivated to fine-tune their attacking patterns before heading across the Atlantic. Finland have struggled defensively against lower-ranked opposition recently and will find it incredibly difficult to contain the technical quality of Wirtz and Musiala. Expect a comfortable afternoon for the hosts.