All you need to know about Germany's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Four-time world champions Germany will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Europe's traditional powerhouses.
The German national team last won the World Cup in 2014, famously humiliating hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final before defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina in the final at the Maracana to bring the ultimate prize back to Berlin. However, since that triumph, Germany have experienced a significant slump in form at major international tournaments.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Die Mannschaft were shockingly eliminated in the group stages, a disappointment they repeated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after being drawn into a group of death alongside Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica.
Nevertheless, Germany possess a squad filled with high-quality players, including some of the most exciting young talents in Europe. This makes them a dangerous opponent despite their recent shortcomings at the big stage.
It will be interesting to see how Julian Nagelsmann utilizes this group of players and how far Germany can go in the tournament next year.
GOAL takes a look at the players at their disposal.
With the legendary Manuel Neuer now retired from Germany duty, Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Die Mannschaft at the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.
However, Ter Stegen has faced injury issues of his own recently, which has thrown the race for the starting goalkeeper spot wide open. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann has performed well in the Bundesliga, while Alexander Nubel of Stuttgart is also a reliable option, with Manchester City's Stefan Ortega not out of the running completely either.
Still, if Ter Stegen remains fit, he is expected to be the undisputed starter, having spent much of his international career playing second fiddle to Neuer.
Player
Club
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona
Alexander Nubel
Stuttgart
Oliver Baumann
Hoffenheim
Kevin Trapp
Eintracht Frankfurt
Stefan Ortega
Manchester City
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Defenders
In the German defence, some familiar names may be missing, but the options available to Julian Nagelsmann are still of high quality. Thilo Kehrer of Monaco has been impressive playing at center-back, while Jonathan Tah from Bayern Munich is another excellent option in the heart of the defense.
Antonio Rudiger continues to be a stalwart at the back for both club and country and will once again be a key player for Germany at the World Cup next year.
Waldemar Anton, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Stuttgart in 2024, is another strong contender for a center-back role alongside club teammate Niklas Sule.
In the wider areas, Germany are well equipped with players like David Raum, Robin Gosens, and Maximilian Mittelstadt. Despite a seemingly weaker backline on paper as compared to the ones in previous years, Nagelsmann is the ideal manager to get the best out of them.
Player
Club
Jonathan Tah
Bayern Munich
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Thilo Kehrer
Monaco
Waldemar Anton
Dortmund
Robin Koch
Frankfurt
David Raum
Salzburg
Yann Bisseck
Inter Milan
Nico Schlotterback
Dortmund
Maximilian Mittelstadt
Stuttgart
Robin Gosens
Fiorentina
Benjamin Henrichs
Salzburg
Malick Thiaw
AC Milan
Luca Netz
Monchengladbach
Julian Chabot
Stuttgart
Niklas Sule
Dortmund
Josha Vagnoman
Stuttgart
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Midfielders
Compared to the defence, Germany's midfield is significantly more formidable. Joshua Kimmich's presence in the middle of the park provides much-needed stability for the team, both in attack and defense.
Young Aleksandar Pavlovic is one of the emerging talents in the German squad and could play a key role for Die Mannschaft at the tournament next year. Similarly, Felix Nmecha is another promising player who could be included in the World Cup squad.
Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is also expected to have an important role to play, while the attacking responsibilities in midfield will likely fall on the shoulders of the brilliant Florian Wirtz, who recently joined Premier League champions Liverpool.
Player
Club
Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich
Robert Andrich
Bayer Leverkusen
Tom Bischof
Bayern Munich
Leon Goretzka
Bayern Munich
Pascal Groß
Dortmund
Felix Nmecha
Dortmund
Florian Wirtz
Liverpool
Anton Stach
Hoffenheim
Emre Can
Dortmund
Vitaly Janelt
Brentford
Angelo Stiller
Stuttgart
Jamie Leweling
Stuttgart
Brajan Gruda
Brighton
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Attackers
In the attacking department, Germany are well stacked with some of the top talents in Europe. Jamal Musiala will undoubtedly be the player to watch at the showpiece event in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year. Despite his young age, Musiala is already considered one of the best attacking players in Europe.
Alongside him, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry offer exciting options on the flanks for Nagelsmann, both possessing tremendous pace and flair.
In the striking role, Nagelsmann will have several quality options to choose from. Arsenal's Kai Havertz, although not a traditional striker, can play a vital role with his goal contributions. Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade has also impressed in the Bundesliga and could make a strong case for himself if he continues to perform consistently.
Deniz Undav and Niclas Fulkrug are also two very interesting options that Nagelsmann could possibly opt for.
