How will Germany line up at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed his final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 21 May. Manuel Neuer has made a dramatic return to the side, but who else is likely to join him in the starting XI?
Legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper Neuer's decision to come out of international retirement and be the team's No.1 at the tournament was the biggest news of the squad unveiling, meaning Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, who has been first choice in recent months, will now be back-up.
Continuity in defence
The back four looks equally set in stone. Captain Joshua Kimmich plays at right-back under Nagelsmann for Germany, and will continue to do so.
Nico Schlotterbeck has emerged as the preferred partner to Jonathan Tah at centre-back, both thanks to him being a natural left-footer and his ability to build from the back. An injury-hit season for Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger has also aided the duo's claims.
On the left flank, David Raum tends to start. “He’s like chewing gum in the group, he has a good connection with everyone,” Nagelsmann said of the 27-year-old. “Becoming captain at Leipzig has suited him very well – he’s now taking on more responsibility with us too.”
Waiting in the wings is Nathaniel Brown, who enjoyed a fine season for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Watch: Raum's best goals and assists
Midfield options
Less certain is who will operate in central midfield. Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlović, Felix Nmecha and Angelo Stiller are all in the squad, and although Pascal Groß can also operate there, the Brighton veteran is likely earmarked as a back-up for Kimmich at right-back.
Nmecha only recently returned from injury, so the former duo appear to be the favourites for now. Stiller, having enjoyed a superb campaign with Stuttgart, brings a slightly different profile as a natural left-footer.
Watch: Pavlović's stellar season under the spotlight
The pointy end of the spear
Further forward, Jamal Musiala has recovered well from the broken leg suffered at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer. "Jamal has been getting better and better and still has plenty of time to build up his rhythm," Nagelsmann said when unveiling his squad. "Even at 95 per cent, he is one of the outstanding players in world football. He has also become more robust."
Musiala and Florian Wirtz dovetail well together in the final third, with both exceptional at breaking through deep-lying defences.
Serge Gnabry's injury setback means Leroy Sané could be asked to provide width and pace on the right, but having struggled to hit his stride with Galatasaray this season, Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling could stake his claim for the starting berth.
Lennart Karl will surely feature throughout the tournament after his breakthrough campaign in Munich, but Nagelsmann will be wary of putting too much pressure on the teenager's shoulders. Dortmund's Maximilian Beier is the other option for the position.
Watch: Musiala back to his irresistible best
Up top?
The lone striker’s role in Nagelsmann’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation remains open. Kai Havertz appears to be the preferred option when fit, while Nick Woltemade’s height and physical presence offer the coach a different approach no other candidate can provide.
Deniz Undav finished as the leading German scorer in the Bundesliga in 2025/26 on 19 goals, with Nagelsmann stating "you can't leave a striker like him at home".
