Germany name 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup
Julian Nagelsmann named Germany’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 21 May 2026. Captain Joshua Kimmich leads a group featuring elite young attackers and the surprise return of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Germany were drawn into Group E alongside Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador. Progression from the group appears likely on paper, but knockout football will test their rebuilt reputation. Four-time world champions, Germany suffered group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
Germany finished qualification with five wins from six matches and reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Florian Wirtz makes his World Cup debut after joining Liverpool, while Jamal Musiala returns from injury, forming a dangerous attacking partnership.
The squad includes defenders Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, and Malick Thiaw. Midfielders Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, Assan Ouedraogo, Jamie Leweling, Felix Nmecha, and Angelo Stiller provide depth and creativity.
Goalkeepers Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, and Alexander Nübel complete the roster. Neuer’s leadership and experience are central to Germany’s tournament ambitions.
Nagelsmann’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation features Neuer in goal, with Kimmich and Tah in defense. Goretzka and Pavlovic form the double pivot, while Wirtz, Musiala, and Sané operate in attacking midfield roles.
Havertz leads the line as a false nine, addressing Germany’s lack of a world-class striker. His versatility and creativity are expected to compensate for the positional adjustment.
Germany’s strengths include Wirtz and Musiala’s partnership, Kimmich’s midfield control, and unpredictability in attack. However, defensive vulnerabilities persist, particularly in transitions and space behind full-backs.
Nagelsmann confirmed Musiala is near peak fitness. Even at 95%, Musiala remains one of the world’s outstanding players, a key asset for Germany’s tournament hopes.
Predictions suggest Germany could progress through the group stage with three wins. Beyond that, their consistency and resilience in knockout rounds will determine their fate. A quarter-final finish is anticipated, with potential exits against top-tier sides like Spain or Argentina.