COLOGNE, Germany (Interstat) — Germany and Belgium will close their 2025 international schedules with a high-profile friendly Wednesday at RheinEnergieStadion, a final tune-up before both turn their focus to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match, organized by the Friendlies of Friendlies in World, pits a German side seeking consistency against a Belgian squad desperate to rebound from a disappointing Nations League campaign.

Germany, the host, enters following a wild 3-3 draw with Peru on Tuesday. That result typified a turbulent year for Die Mannschaft, which has shown both promise and vulnerability. Highlights include a home-and-away split with Portugal in June and a commanding 2-0 victory over Denmark in July. However, a 2-0 loss to Slovakia in September and a pair of uneven results against France underscore their struggles for reliable form.

Belgium’s recent form is a stark tale of two results. The Red Devils demolished Liechtenstein 7-0 on Nov. 18, but that rout followed a shocking 1-0 home loss to Israel a day prior. Their 2024-25 Nations League run was largely dismal, featuring five losses in eight matches, including two defeats each to France and Ukraine. The 7-0 win provided a morale boost, but questions persist about the team’s defensive solidity and ability to compete with Europe’s elite.

Interstat’s match projection favors the hosts. The outlet’s game simulator predicts a 2-1 victory for Germany, while its ELO rating system gives Germany a 72.70% probability of winning.

The friendly offers Germany a chance to build momentum on home soil and for Belgium to prove its heavy defeat of Liechtenstein was a sign of progress, not an outlier. Key battles will likely feature Germany’s midfield dynamism against Belgium’s experienced core as both managers evaluate final options ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying cycle.

Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m. local time (1945 GMT).