Julian Nagelsmann has selected a 26-man Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup. Combining a group of experienced internationals with some of Europe’s most talented young players, the selected German squad displays Nagelsmann’s intent to compete for the 2026 World Cup rather than to merely turn up for participation in North America.
A reliable and experienced captain in Manuel Neuer returns to the squad to provide the commanding presence between the posts that Germany needs. The veteran Bayern Munich stopper is considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers ever to play the game, and is accompanied by the reliable and competent German duo of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nbel, who represent Germany as back-up keepers.
Defensively Germany possesses a truly commanding centre-back in the form of Antonio Rdiger of Real Madrid. The physically imposing defender, a Champions League winner with his club, is partnered by a composed and skillful German duo of Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck who provide excellent technique with the ball at their feet. David Raum continues to provide attacking intent on the left hand-side of the defence, and young defenders Nathaniel Brown and Malick Thiaw, both exceptional talents who have performed extremely well for their club teams in recent seasons, are likely to be the future of German football at the heart of the defence for many years to come.
Germany is arguably one of the few national teams to possess an abundance of technically gifted midfield and attacking talents. Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich will be the focal point of the midfield; the technically brilliant Germany international will need to perform to his full potential if Germany are to go far in this World Cup, and he will look to exploit any gaps with the passing, vision and dribbling he possesses. Along side him will be Florian Wirtz who has developed into one of the most talented young players in Europe. The duo will provide a threat for opposition defenses through both their pace and dribbling abilities.
The rest of the midfield and attacking unit is built on quality and experience; Antonio Rdiger provides the leadership qualities that is expected from Germany, and it will be a welcome sight to see the German talisman back representing his nation. The pace and trickery that Leroy San provides on the wing, coupled with the all-around skill of Kai Havertz as he continues his development, will certainly provide Germany with a lot of joy in the attacking final third of the pitch. Deniz Undav of VfB Stuttgart has earned his call up to the German national team following a truly remarkable goalscoring season for his club, and he will provide additional attacking impetus from his forward positions.
The midfield has been strengthened with the inclusion of Leon Goretzka whose physical presence and technical abilities are expected to make him a valuable asset throughout the tournament; meanwhile the squad also benefits from the inclusions of the young talents Lennart Karl, Jamie Leweling and Nick Woltemade.
The German national team enter this World Cup with a lot to prove, having disappointed its faithful in Euro 2024 and in previous international tournaments, although the feeling around this talented squad is of genuine optimism. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann will look to build a fearless and attacking approach that would lead Germany back to a World Cup final and give the nation the glory it craves.
