Joshua Kimmich Surpasses Franz Beckenbauer In Germany's Rout Of Luxembourg

Germany sta Joshua Kimmich made his 104th appearance for the national side against Luxembourg on Friday as Die Manschaft routed a ten-man Luxembourg 4-0.

Kimmich eclipsed the legendary Franz Beckenbauer’s

tally of 103 games for the German national side and marked the ocassion with a brace while David Raum and Serge Gnabry added a goal each.

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Germany’s campaign faced jeopardy after losing to Slovakia last month. However, they have managed to turn it around now to lead Group A on goal difference.

Raum put Germany ahead in the 12th minute of the game before Dirk Carlson was given the marching orders in the 20th minute. Kimmich netted his first of the day from the spot as he made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

Gnabry added Germany’s third of the day in the 48th minute before Kimmich netted his second of the day in the 50th minute to cement a solid win.

Northern Ireland defeated Slovakia 2-0. Germany, Slovakia, and Northern Ireland all have six points.

Belgium missed numerous opportunities, with 25 attempts on goal, but ended in a 0-0 draw against North Macedonia, which leads Group J.

Belgium is one point behind North Macedonia, though it has played one match less. Wales trails by an additional point. Kazakhstan is six points behind North Macedonia after a 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein.

Group B leader Switzerland secured a 2-0 win at Sweden, making it three wins out of three with no goals conceded. Kosovo remains second, five points behind Switzerland, after a 0-0 draw at home against Slovenia.

Elsewhere,

France and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe netted in his tenth successive game on Saturday in France’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier game between the sides a the Parc des Princes.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the second minute of first half stoppage time with a sensational strike to give Les Blues the lead before Adrien Rabiot and Florian Thauvin added a strike each in the second period.