2 Jun 2026 15:30 BST |
5 min read
Germany head into the 2026 World Cup not necessarily fancied as one of the nations to win the tournament but they still have exciting players in their ranks, so don’t bet against them reaching the latter stages.
This isn’t a vintage squad under Julian Nagelsmann and it has a transitional feel – no longer is it littered with world-class talent like Toni Kroos or Mesut Ozil but rather players on the cusp of stardom like Florian Wirtz or Jamal Musiala or older heads like Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer.
The Germany squad for the World Cup was announced in the middle of May and the inclusion of Neuer certainly caused some controversy.
The Bayern Munich stopper retired from international football after Euro 2024 and thereafter the number one jersey was taken by Oliver Baumann. Neuer has now extended his club career after signing a one-year contract extension with the Bavarian giants and has now returned to the international fold and reports indicate he may be in line to usurp Baumann to become number one again.
FootballTransfers’ German football expert Tom Weber says:
“Neuer’s decision to return would, in itself, not be worthy of much irritation. On the contrary, having a world-class goalkeeper available should be welcomed. However, it is the circumstances around the decision that have led to disillusionment.
“Firstly, the 40-year-old retired from the national team after Euro 2024. He did not take part in Germany’s qualifying campaign, so he has contributed nothing to his country’s World Cup participation.
“There is also the injury argument. Neuer has long since struggled to stay fit for any prolonged stretch of time, and he was substituted with a minor calf problem during Bayern’s final Bundesliga game at the weekend.
“Can his body cope with the schedule and climate at the World Cup? If it can’t, are you really comfortable changing up your goalkeepers – one of the most important positions in the team – mid-tournament?
“Both are valid concerns, but the biggest point of contention is undoubtedly Nagelsmann’s handling of the situation. With Marc-Andre Ter Stegen spending much of the past 18 months injured, the manager has been quite clear that Oliver Baumann is Germany’s No.1.”
“The long-time Hoffenheim goalkeeper meaningfully contributed to the DFB team’s presence at the World Cup, and now, less than a month before the tournament kicks off, he has been suddenly replaced.”
Unsere Rückennummern für die WM ❤️🔥#fifaworldcup #dfbteam pic.twitter.com/SZmsjpZJX4
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) May 26, 2026
There are notable absentees from Nagelsmann’s squad, including Serge Gnabry (injured), Said El Mala and Karim Adeyemi.
Nagelsmann opted to include Maximilian Beier instead of Dortmund forward Adeyemi and explained his reasoning:
“I’m a big fan of having players who can play in many positions. Karim had a very good first half of the season, but unfortunately things didn’t go so well in the second half. I’ll say a few words, because Karim always has a bit of a negative reputation. The way he reacted was top-notch. He handled it really well. With Maxi, you always imagine scenarios about when you can bring him on as a substitute. He can give us so much”
If everyone in the squad is fit, here’s how Germany could line up at the World Cup.
(4-3-3): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic, Sane, Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz.
Nagelsmann has a big decision to make it goal but may opt for the experience of Neuer which will come as a hammer blow to Baumann.
In defence, he has decisions to make in the centre of defence and at left-back.
Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah are the preferred pairing at the moment in the middle but Antonio Rudiger has bags of experience and could be called upon, though the former pair are most likely to feature.
At left-back, its a straight shootout between Nathaniel Brown and David Raum, with the Eintracht Frankfurt defender starting the recent friendly win over Finland.
With Joshua Kimmich featuring at right-back, that will allow Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic to start as the two deeper central midfielders.
Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will start in the centre and on the left of the attacking midfield three but expect them to rotate frequently into space.
As for the position on the right, Leroy Sane impressed against Finland after coming on and he may be preferred to youngsters Lennart Karl and Jamie Leweling.
In attack, Denis Undav has seen plenty of action for Germany recently, though expect Nagelsmann to go with Kai Havertz after his goal in the Champions League final and higher reputation.
As Germany look to lift their fifth World Cup, you can also get your hands on the trophy from LEGO, who have released a special set including a souvenir cup.
Similarly, The FIFA World Cup 2026™ ball is another iconic set that is unique to this competition. It is a LEGO replica of the size 5 football that will be used across North America this summer but is distinguished by popping open to display a packed stadium celebrating the winning team.
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