Dernières actualités CM 2026 - États-Unis, Canada & Mexique

Just weeks before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann has named his final 26-man squad. The German national team will enter the tournament with a mix of experienced leaders and young talents – and after the last two friendlies against France and Brazil, can look cautiously optimistic toward the future.

Nagelsmann predictably relies on Marc-André ter Stegen in goal, who has returned to form in time after overcoming his injury layoff. In defence, Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah form the centre-back pairing, flanked by Joshua Kimmich on the right and David Raum on the left. In midfield, captain Ilkay Gündoğan leads alongside Pascal Groß and Aleksandar Pavlović, while Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are tasked with providing creative spark. Up front, the head coach continues to trust Kai Havertz, with Niclas Füllkrug as a robust alternative.

There were surprises in the nomination nonetheless: 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.

Tactically, the DFB team provided important insights in the two high-profile friendlies. In a 2:2 draw against France in Lyon, the side delivered a courageous performance against Didier Deschamps' team. Wirtz and Havertz scored the goals, but Kylian Mbappé ultimately saved the Equipe Tricolore with a late penalty. Nagelsmann particularly praised his team's defensive stability and pressing behaviour.

Three days later came the acid test against Brazil in Berlin. Before a sold-out Olympic Stadium, the German side won 1:0 thanks to a spectacular goal by Musiala in the 67th minute. Particularly pleasing from the head coach's perspective: The young axis around Pavlović, Wirtz and Musiala were increasingly in harmony, and the team seemed controlled and purposeful over large 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 face challenging opponents in the group stage. The draw has not given the four-time world champions an easy task, but in the DFB camp there is conviction that this team can go far again after the disappointments of previous tournaments. The home Euro 2024 had shown that a new spirit had arrived under Nagelsmann – now the next step should follow.

Before flying to North America, the team will complete nearly two weeks of training camp, where tactical refinements and set plays are to be practised. Mental preparation also plays a central role: Nagelsmann has once again integrated sports psychologists into the team to prepare the players optimally for the pressure of a World Cup.

Expectations in Germany have risen noticeably after recent performances. Whether this 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 inspire enthusiasm again.