Germany calls US-eligible Brown for crucial World Cup qualifiers

Nathaniel Brown, a 22-year-old left back for Eintracht Frankfurt, has been called up to the Germany national team for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Born in Germany to an American father and German mother, Brown is eligible to represent both Germany and the United States, but playing in these competitive games for Germany would permanently tie his international future to them. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann described Brown as a "big talent in defense" and is relying on him amid a challenging qualifying campaign where Germany currently ranks third in their group. Brown has acknowledged contact from U.S. Soccer but expressed his preference to continue with Germany, having played for their under-21 team. The qualifiers are critical for Germany's hopes to qualify for the World Cup hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, especially with key defenders like Antonio Rüdiger injured. Nagelsmann remains confident in his squad's quality despite some absences, with Brown expected to play a significant role in stabilizing the defense.