Who made it to Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup?

Germany v Italy - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two

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 utilises 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.

Marc Andre ter Stegen Germany 2024

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer is back for the World Cup. The goalkeeper is making a spectacular return after having initially retired following the 2024 European Championship.

His backup goalkeepers are Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel. 

Antonio Rudiger Germany 06192024

Defenders

Over the past few months, it has become clear that Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah will form the starting center-back pairing.

Joshua Kimmich will play at right back, and David Raum is expected to start at left back. His competition comes from Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Nagelsmann also named Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw as alternatives. 

Florian Wirtz Germany 2024

Midfielders

In midfield, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, and Leon Goretzka will compete for the two starting spots. 

Florian Wirtz is a sure starter up front. Jamal Musiala also has a good chance of earning a starting spot. Overall, there is fierce competition for every position in the attack. Young Bayern talent Lennart Karl also has reason to be happy.

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Attackers

Kai Havertz is almost certain to start up front. Nick Woltemade and Deniz Undav also have a good chance of getting plenty of playing time. 

Meanwhile, BVB's Maximilian Beier is back in the lineup. 

Florian Wirtz Jamal Musiala Germany 2024

Germany star players

As mentioned earlier, young Jamal Musiala is expected to be Germany's standout player at the 2026 World Cup. The talented youngster has been waiting for a stage like this and could play a crucial role if Germany make a deep run in the tournament.

In addition to the Bayern Munich sensation, Florian Wirtz is another player who will attract significant attention from fans. The Liverpool ace has finally appeared to bed in at Anfield and has contributed 15 goal involvements in all competitions. 

Veterans like Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger will also have major roles to play for Germany. Both have consistently been key figures for the national team and will once again be expected to deliver their best on the world stage.

Up-front Kai Havertz could prove to be a important player for the Germans. Despite playing in the attacking midfield area for the major part of his career, Havertz has adapted well to play in the number 9 position.

Nagelsmann

Predicted Germany Starting XI for World Cup 2026

Predicted Germany starting XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Havertz, Musiala, Wirtz; Woltemade