Germany host Serbia at the Allianz Arena on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Matchday 3 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. Jürgen Klopp’s side will be looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to Greece, while Serbia head to Munich searching for their first points after consecutive losses to Greece and the Netherlands. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 CEST.
Germany have taken one point from their opening two Group A2 fixtures, drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands before suffering defeat against Greece. Serbia, meanwhile, have lost both of their matches by a 2-1 scoreline. With both teams aiming to improve their position in the group, this meeting could be an important early test in the Nations League campaign.
Key Points to Know Before Germany vs Serbia
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Germany Ahead of the Match: Squad, Form and Key Players
Germany head into Matchday 3 looking to respond to their recent 1-0 home defeat against Greece. Jürgen Klopp’s first UEFA Nations League campaign in charge has produced one point from two matches, following a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands and the subsequent narrow loss.
Klopp has adopted an unusual squad-management approach for Germany’s opening four Nations League fixtures, selecting two separate groups of players for the consecutive match windows. The first group was designated for the opening matches against the Netherlands and Greece, while a heavily altered squad group is primarily taking charge for the upcoming Serbia fixture and the following away meeting with Greece.
However, plans slightly shifted right before Matchday 3. The DFB confirmed that six specific “swing” players from the initial list, including Serge Gnabry, Nico Schlotterbeck, Bambasé Conté, and Philipp Treu, will remain in the camp to join the incoming October selection. Injuries have also forced early adjustments; key assets Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz sustained knocks against the Netherlands, prompting Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt to report early to the squad ahead of schedule.
Last Match Performance
Germany suffered a 1-0 defeat to Greece in their second Group B fixture. The match remained goalless for much of the contest as a young, highly experimental German side dominated 76% of possession but struggled to break down a rigid Greek defense.
Greece broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when second-half substitute Dimitrios Kourbelis found the back of the net. Germany threw on star attackers like Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry late in the game but were unable to find a response. The result leaves Klopp’s side sitting on just one point from their opening two games following their opening 1-1 draw in Amsterdam.
Next Match: Key Players & Expected XI
- Goalkeeper: Jonas Urbig and Noah Atubolu represent the fresh goalkeeping group expected to step up for the next matches.
- Defenders: Yann Aurel Bisseck, Waldemar Anton, Malick Thiaw, and Nico Schlotterbeck provide a solid blend of youth and international experience across the backline.
- Midfielders: Aleksandar Pavlović, Anton Stach, and Tom Bischof anchor the deeper midfield roles.
- Attacking midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Chris Führich, and Serge Gnabry offer direct creativity, pace, and clinical playmaking depth.
- Forwards: Jonathan Burkardt and Kevin Schade serve as the dynamic options leading the line through the center of the attack.
- Captain and leader: Joshua Kimmich remains the veteran core, tasked with guiding this heavily rotated transition squad.
Expected XI formation: 4-2-3-1
Expected XI: Urbig; Bisseck, Anton, Thiaw, Treu; Pavlović, Stach; Gnabry, Wirtz, Führich; Burkardt.
Serbia Before Kick-Off: Squad News, Form and Key Players
Serbia travel to Munich without a point after losing their opening two Group B matches. They were beaten 2-1 by Greece before suffering the same scoreline against the Netherlands in Belgrade.
The Serbian squad contains several experienced internationals, including Dušan Vlahović, Luka Jović, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Strahinja Pavlović, and Dušan Tadić. Their attacking quality gives Serbia options going forward, but conceding twice in each of their first two matches has left them needing to improve defensively.
With Germany also coming off a defeat, Serbia have an opportunity to make the match competitive by staying organized and using their attacking players effectively.
Last Match Performance
Serbia lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in their second group fixture. The match was a tale of two halves at the Rajko Mitić Stadium. The Netherlands took a 1-0 lead into the break via a Mexx Meerdink penalty, but Serbia responded immediately after halftime when substitute Luka Jović scored in the 45th minute. However, Meerdink struck again in the 68th minute to secure all three points for the visitors.
The result leaves Serbia at the bottom of Group B heading into the trip to Munich, significantly increasing the pressure ahead of their next match.
Next Match: Key Players & Expected XI
- Goalkeeper: Vanja Milinković-Savić remains the undisputed starting goalkeeper after making an impressive 7 saves against the Netherlands.
- Defenders: Srđan Babić, Strahinja Pavlović, and Kosta Nedeljković form the defensive foundation, while Aleksandar Stanković has been deployed dynamically to shift between the backline and midfield.
- Midfielders: Nemanja Gudelj and Saša Lukić anchor the central midfield block.
- Attacking Midfielders/Winger: Andrija Živković and Sergej Milinković-Savić provide creativity, with veteran Dušan Tadić pushing for a starting role after an impactful second-half appearance last match.
- Forward: Dejan Joveljić and Luka Jović are competing to lead the line.
Expected XI formation: 4-2-3-1
Expected XI: Milinković-Savić; Nedeljković, Babić, Pavlović, Terzić; Gudelj, Lukić; Živković, A. Stanković, S. Milinković-Savić; Joveljić
Germany vs Serbia: Previous Meetings and H2H Record
Germany have the stronger overall head-to-head record against Serbia. UEFA’s official statistics list 16 Germany wins, five draws and eight Serbia victories, with Germany scoring 50 goals compared with Serbia’s 34.
Recent meetings have generally been competitive, including a 1-1 draw in March 2019. Germany also recorded a 2-1 victory over Serbia in 2008.
| Date | Competition | Result |
| 21 Jun 1998 | FIFA World Cup | Germany 2-2 Yugoslavia |
| 20 Jun 2008 | Friendly | Germany 2-1 Serbia |
| 20 Mar 2019 | Friendly | Germany 1-1 Serbia |
The historical record gives Germany the advantage, although previous results do not determine the outcome of the upcoming fixture. Current form, squad selection and the tactical changes under Klopp and Serbia’s coaching staff are more relevant to the October meeting.
Germany vs Serbia: Match Preview, Analysis and Prediction
Germany and Serbia both arrive in Munich after difficult opening rounds. Germany have one point from two matches, while Serbia are still searching for their first point of the campaign.
The home advantage should give Germany an important boost, particularly with the match taking place at the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich also confirmed the October 1 fixture at the stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 CEST.
Germany’s biggest challenge will be turning their possession and attacking quality into goals. Serbia, meanwhile, will need to improve their defensive organisation after conceding twice in each of their first two fixtures.
Based on Recent Team Performance
Germany
- Germany drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in their opening match.
- Germany then lost 1-0 to Greece.
- Klopp is using two squads across Germany’s first four Nations League fixtures.
- Florian Wirtz is among the attacking options available for the Serbia fixture.
- Germany have home advantage at the Allianz Arena.
Serbia
- Serbia lost 2-1 to Greece in their opening fixture.
- Serbia then suffered another 2-1 defeat against the Netherlands.
- Serbia have scored in both of their opening matches.
- The team have conceded twice in each of their first two games.
- Experienced players such as Vlahović, Tadić and Milinković-Savić remain important options.
Germany’s results have been underwhelming, but the hosts have the squad depth and home advantage to control large periods of the match. Serbia can pose a threat going forward, although their defensive record could leave them vulnerable.
Based on Their Previous Meetings
- Germany have won 16 of the 29 meetings recorded by UEFA.
- Serbia have recorded eight victories.
- Five matches have ended in draws.
- Germany and Serbia drew 1-1 in their most recent meeting in March 2019.
- Germany won 2-1 when the teams previously met in 2008.
The historical record provides additional context, but Germany’s current squad changes under Klopp make recent team selection particularly important.
Germany vs Serbia Prediction
Prediction: Germany 2-0 Serbia
Germany are selected to secure their first victory of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign. Playing at home should give Klopp’s side greater control, while the availability of fresh players from the second squad could provide additional energy.
Serbia have shown enough attacking quality to score in both opening matches, but conceding twice in each game remains a concern. Germany should have enough quality in midfield and attack to create sustained pressure.
A 2-0 Germany victory is therefore the selected prediction, with the hosts expected to control possession and limit Serbia’s opportunities.
Germany vs Serbia: Recommended Betting Markets
The following markets reflect the predicted match scenario and should be considered alongside confirmed lineups, late team news and the latest available prices. These selections are predictions rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Match Result: Germany to Win
Germany are selected for the match-result market because of their home advantage, stronger historical record and greater squad depth. Their record against Serbia also provides additional context when assessing the latest UEFA Nations League betting markets.
Both Teams to Score: No
Serbia have scored in both of their opening matches, but Germany are expected to control possession and create the majority of the opportunities. The 2-0 prediction also supports a BTTS No selection.
Under 3.5 Goals
The predicted 2-0 scoreline produces two goals. Germany’s first two matches produced a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 defeat, while Serbia’s opening fixtures both finished 2-1.
Germany to Score Over 1.5 Goals
Germany have enough attacking quality to score twice at home. Wirtz, Adeyemi, Führich and Burkardt provide several options in advanced areas.
Correct Score: Germany 2-0 Serbia
The selected correct-score prediction is 2-0 to Germany. It reflects the hosts’ home advantage and Serbia’s defensive issues while allowing for a relatively controlled match.
| Market | Prediction | Bet Type |
| Match Result | Germany to win | Match winner |
| Both Teams to Score | No | Goals market |
| Total Goals | Under 3.5 | Goals market |
| Team Goals | Germany over 1.5 | Team goals |
| Correct Score | Germany 2-0 Serbia | Correct-score market |
For readers researching how to bet on football, these markets cover different aspects of the fixture. Match-result markets focus on the winner, BTTS considers whether both teams score, total-goals markets assess the combined number of goals, and correct-score markets require the exact final result.
Germany vs Serbia: Overall Match Outlook
Germany’s home advantage is one of the biggest factors heading into the match. The Allianz Arena will host the fixture on October 1, with the DFB confirming a 20:45 CEST kick-off.
Klopp’s two-squad strategy also makes team selection important. The DFB confirmed that 20 additional players would join the group for the Serbia match, meaning Germany could field a noticeably different side from the team that faced Greece.
Serbia’s defensive form is another factor to consider. They have conceded four goals across their first two matches, while Germany will be looking to turn their attacking possession into a more effective final product.
The latest UEFA Nations League Odds and Football odds can change before kick-off as team news and confirmed lineups become available. Readers should therefore check the latest prices rather than relying on early-market figures.
Responsible Gambling
Sports predictions and betting markets involve uncertainty, and no tip or selection can guarantee a particular result. Factors such as injuries, team selection, tactics, player performance, refereeing decisions and events during the match can all affect the final outcome.
If you decide to gamble, treat it as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Set a budget before you start, stay within your limits and never chase losses. For information and support on safer gambling, visit GambleAware or GamCare.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only. Predictions, team news, player availability, odds and betting markets may change before kick-off. Any opinions or selections presented are not guarantees of future results.
Readers should check the latest information before making any decisions and ensure that gambling is legal in their jurisdiction. If you choose to gamble, do so responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
