Generalprobe geglückt? Nagelsmanns DFB-Elf vor dem WM-Start

07.05.2026 09:30 National Team

Just a few weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has nominated his final 26-man squad. The German national team is heading into the tournament with a mix of experienced leaders and young talents – and after the last two test matches against France and Brazil, they were able to look cautiously optimistic toward the future again. Nagelsmann is expectedly relying on Marc-André ter Stegen in goal, who has returned to form in time after overcoming his injury. In defense, Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah form the center-back duo, flanked by Joshua Kimmich on the right and David Raum on the left. In midfield, captain İlkay Gündoğan leads alongside Pascal Groß and Aleksandar Pavlović, while Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are meant to provide creative touches. Up front, the coach continues to trust Kai Havertz, with Niclas Füllkrug as a robust alternative. There were still surprises in the squad announcement: Young Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade received his ticket to North America after a strong first half of the Bundesliga season, while veteran Leon Goretzka missed out despite solid performances. Karim Adeyemi was also not considered – a decision Nagelsmann justified with the "tactical balance" of the squad. Athletically, the DFB team provided important insights in the two high-profile test matches. In a 2:2 draw against France in Lyon, the team put on a courageous performance against Didier Deschamps' team. Wirtz and Havertz scored the goals, and in the end Kylian Mbappé saved the Equipe Tricolore with a late penalty kick. Nagelsmann particularly praised his team's defensive stability and pressing behavior. Three days later came the real test against Brazil in Berlin. In front of a sold-out Olympic Stadium, the German team won 1:0 thanks to a spectacular goal by Musiala in the 67th minute. Particularly encouraging from the national coach's perspective: the young axis around Pavlović, Wirtz and Musiala harmonized increasingly well, and the team appeared controlled and purposeful for long stretches. "That was an important step. We've gained confidence without getting ahead of ourselves," Nagelsmann explained after the match. At the World Cup, Germany will face challenging opponents in the group stage. The draw has not given the four-time world champion an easy task, but there is a conviction in the DFB camp that this team can go far again after the disappointments of previous tournaments. The home Euro 2024 had shown that a new spirit has taken hold under Nagelsmann – now the next step is to follow. Before flying to North America, the team will still hold a roughly two-week training camp, where tactical refinements and set plays are to be practiced in particular. Mental preparation also plays a central role: Nagelsmann has once again integrated sports psychologists into the team to optimally prepare the players for the pressure of a world tournament. Expectations in Germany have noticeably risen after the recent performances. Whether this ultimately results in the hoped-for fifth World Cup title will be decided from mid-June onwards on the pitches between Mexico City, Toronto and New York. But one thing is already certain: this German team has the potential to generate enthusiasm again.