Federal coach Julian Nagelsmann has announced his official 26-man squad for the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The nomination immediately generates plenty of discussion: In addition to the sensational World Cup comeback of goalkeeper legend Manuel Neuer, Nagelsmann is relying on an exciting mix of established world stars, fit returnees and genuine surprise young talents.
Goalkeepers:
Manuel Neuer, FC Bayern Munich - Sensational comeback! Two years after his DFB retirement, the 40-year-old returns as number one.
Oliver Baumann, TSG Hoffenheim - Current starting goalkeeper
Alexander Nübel, VfB Stuttgart
Note: Jonas Urbig (1. FC Köln) travels as an additional training goalkeeper without an official squad place.
Defence:
Joshua Kimmich, FC Bayern Munich - Captain
Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid
Jonathan Tah, FC Bayern Munich
Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund
Waldemar Anton, Borussia Dortmund
David Raum, RB Leipzig - Probable number one on the left
Nathaniel Brown, Eintracht Frankfurt - The big surprise in defence
Malick Thiaw, Newcastle United
Midfield:
Aleksandar Pavlovi, FC Bayern Munich
Leon Goretzka, FC Bayern Munich - Back in the plans just in time for the World Cup
Angelo Stiller, VfB Stuttgart
Felix Nmecha, Borussia Dortmund
Pascal Groß, Brighton & Hove Albion
Nadiem Amiri, FSV Mainz 05 - Strong second half of the season, regarded as a penalty specialist
Attack:
Florian Wirtz, FC Liverpool
Jamal Musiala, FC Bayern Munich
Leroy Sané, Galatasaray Istanbul
Jamie Leweling, VfB Stuttgart
Lennart Karl, FC Bayern Munich - The coach's teenage trump card
Kai Havertz, FC Arsenal
Deniz Undav, VfB Stuttgart
Maximilian Beier, Borussia Dortmund - Known for enormous depth and sprints
Nick Woltemade, Newcastle United
The Cuts: Who Was Not Considered?
Nagelsmann shocks the nation with a clear tactical decision: There is not a single classical striker in the current squad. This has prominent victims as a result.
Marc-André ter Stegen, FC Girona - Injury: Fitness after long rehabilitation phases insufficient
Serge Gnabry, FC Bayern Munich - Injury: Severe thigh injury in April
Niclas Füllkrug, West Ham United - Sporting decision: No place for classical number nines
Tim Kleindienst, Borussia Mönchengladbach - Sporting decision: Fell victim to flexible offensive concept
Matthias Ginter, SC Freiburg - Sporting decision: Not nominated this time
Said El Mala, 1. FC Köln - Not considered despite hot rumours
With this bold, extremely skilful squad that is flexible up front, the DFB team now launches its assault on a fifth World Cup star.