Summer's DFB-Kickers Showcase: Holiday, Club Title Tournament, U21-EM Edition
Football National Players Facing Supplementary Season
Football's high roller-coaster continues unabatedly for several national players. Following the third-place match against France in the Nations League, the season is set to stretch, extending like a grueling marathon. The upcoming Club World Cup in an extra-large format, boasting a potential eleven players from Bayern Munich or Dortmund, is scheduled for June 15, lasting a maximum of July 13 in the USA.
Meanwhile, following the France game, Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade will jet off to unite with the German U21 squad, whose European Championship kicks off in Slovakia as early as Wednesday. The remaining portion of the 24-man squad under coach Julian Nagelsmann is still savoring a well-deserved break.
Despite missing the Nations League final against Spain, Nagelsmann won't rest key players such as Joshua Kimmich, new signing Jonathan Tah, or Dortmund professionals like Felix Nmecha or Waldemar Anton during today's game against France (3:00 PM, RTL, and DAZN).
"No, there aren't any agreements with the clubs," the national coach responded when asked. "We've previously made arrangements like this. For all players where it was crucial, we've assured nothing untoward will happen," he added.
He was referring to Bayern's young star Jamal Musiala, Real Madrid's defender Antonio Rüdiger, and Kai Havertz of Arsenal—individuals who were left out of the team due to injuries or arriving late in the season. "It's not merely about the Club World Cup, but also for the subsequent season and the World Cup qualifiers," stated the coach.
Groß expressed his eagerness for the USA trip, unbothered by the Club World Cup's new mega format featuring 32 clubs and a tantalizing prize money of one billion US dollars: "My mind isn't on the Club World Cup just yet. I'm generally open to the competition. I'll board the flight to the USA and see what lies ahead." However, there's a looming task to complete first—the France game.
The 2021 Club World Cup witnessed a different format compared to 2025. Only seven teams from each of the six continental confederations participated, with the host nation receiving an additional spot. Matches progressed through a direct elimination bracket, culminating in the final. Contrastingly, the 2025 format hosts 32 teams across eight groups of four, followed by knockout rounds. The 2025 tournament will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, offering players a mouthwatering opportunity. [1][2][3][5]
After the France game, numerous European league players, such as Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, and Felix Nmecha, will continue to face a supplementary season, as they are scheduled to participate in the Club World Cup in June, which could last until July 13 in the USA. Meanwhile, the European Championship for the German U21 squad starts earlier in Slovakia, creating a challenging schedule for these football players.
