Ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier, Covid cases found in Germany team

Germany will be without two players for its opening World Cup qualifier against Iceland after midfielder Jonas Hofmann tested positive for the coronavirus and full-back Marcel Halstenberg was deemed a close contact.

The German soccer federation said Thursday’s game was still going ahead and that Hofmann was in isolation and symptom-free. A matchday fitness session outdoors was called off and the team was screened again using rapid antigen testing kits, with negative results. More tests are planned for Friday.