Stuttgart – It wasn’t a statement win, but Germany edged past Ghana 2-1 in a closely contested friendly at Stuttgart’s MHPArena on Sunday, March 30, 2026. The match, played in rainy conditions, saw Kai Havertz convert a first-half penalty and Deniz Undav score a late winner, offering a measure of reassurance to head coach Julian Nagelsmann just weeks before the final World Cup squad is announced on May 12th.
The German side started brightly, with Nagelsmann watching from the stands alongside his wife, Lena Wurzenberger, and mother, “Burgi.” Despite dominating possession, they struggled to break down a resilient Ghana defense for much of the first half. The breakthrough finally came in the 45th minute through a penalty awarded after a handball in the box.
45th Minute: Wirtz played a clever pass to Stiller, who immediately fired a shot. Ghana’s Adjetey blocked the attempt – but with his arm. Referee Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident and correctly pointed to the spot. Havertz stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, giving Germany a 1-0 lead.
Attwell’s decision offered a modest measure of redemption after a controversial VAR call during Germany’s Euro 2024 exit against Spain (1-2 after extra time). In that match, a clear handball went unnoticed, a decision that haunted German fans for months.
Ghana equalized through Fatawu in the 70th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. But, the home crowd’s fervent calls for Deniz Undav were answered late in the game. Goretzka chipped a precise ball to Sané, who cleverly laid it off for the onrushing VfB Stuttgart striker, who finished with a delicate touch in the 88th minute.
Undav expressed his gratitude to the fans after the match, telling ARD, “It was incredible to hear the support behind me. I enjoy that. It was great to arrive on and score the winner. It was a perfect evening – we won the game, I scored the decisive goal, top.”
Fans Chant for Undav
The late goal sparked a chorus of “Undav! Undav!” from the stands, as fans urged Nagelsmann to include the in-form Stuttgart striker in his World Cup squad. Undav, who has 23 goals and 13 assists this season, responded with a grin and a wave, acknowledging the support.
Nagelsmann had previously explained his reasoning for Undav’s role on ARD, stating, “Deniz has many good actions in the league when the opponent is already a bit tired because he simply has exceptional creativity. That creativity diminishes a bit when he has to do a lot of work in the game from the start.”
The victory wasn’t without its concerns. Ghana’s Union Berlin star, Köhn, caused problems for the German defense, and the team’s finishing touch was occasionally lacking. Former Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger noted that Woltemade, who had a strong chance early in the game, “had to score” after his fourth-minute shot went narrowly wide.
Nagelsmann now faces a crucial decision regarding his forward line. Will he continue to rotate his options, or will Undav earn a more prominent role in the squad? With 75 days remaining until the World Cup opener against Curacao, the coach has time to finalize his plans.
There was a positive performance at the back, with Nathaniel Brown impressing in his first start. While David Raum is typically the first-choice left-back, Brown showcased his defensive capabilities, notably winning a one-on-one duel against Adu in the 32nd minute.
Following Undav’s winning goal, Nagelsmann offered a somewhat lukewarm assessment of the striker’s performance, telling reporters, “I didn’t suppose his performance was good until the goal.”
Germany’s next confirmed match is a friendly against [future opponent to be determined], providing another opportunity for players to stake their claim for a place in the World Cup squad. The final roster announcement is scheduled for May 12th, and the nation will be eagerly awaiting Nagelsmann’s selections.
The win, while not spectacular, provides a boost of confidence as Germany prepares for the challenges ahead. The team will necessitate to refine its attacking play and solidify its defense if it hopes to craft a deep run in the tournament.
What are your thoughts on Germany’s performance? Let us know in the comments below!
