2025 had already been quite a year for Luca Jaquez, with the DFB Cup final win in Berlin and his first start in the Europa League. On Friday night, the 22-year-old added his senior international debut to this list, coming on in the 74th minute of Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Sweden and celebrating as his team sealed a 2-0 win with a goal in time added on.
Successful starts for other VfB internationals
Germany also tasted victory in their World Cup qualifier on Friday night, seeing off Luxemburg 4-0 in Sinsheim. Alexander Nübel and Angelo Stiller were unused substitutes, while Jamie Leweling missed out due to adductor issues.
Algeria also had a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, defeating Somalia 3-0. Badredine Bouanani watched the match from the bench as his country booked their ticket for next summer’s tournament.
Three starters, three wins
Lazar Jovanovic, Chema and Bilal El Khannouss were also on international duty, all in friendlies. Morocco squeezed past Bahrain, with El Khannouss featuring for 69 minutes. Spain’s U21s, meanwhile, enjoyed a 4-1 win over Norway, with Chema playing the first half. Finally, Lazar Jovanovic’s Serbian U21 side beat Romania 1-0 – the VfB winger playing 66 minutes.