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Next Thursday, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann will reveal Germany’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup. The big question is—who might unexpectedly make the list?

“Most of the squad is already set; I have 20 players locked in, while six more are still competing for the remaining spots,” Nagelsmann said in early May during a Fan Club National Team call. At that point, there were exactly two weeks left before the official announcement on 21 May.

Nagelsmann has emphasised that the players chosen for the March friendlies against Switzerland (4-3) and Ghana (2-1) will form the team’s core for the World Cup. Still, several players who missed those matches could yet earn a ticket to the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

So, who are the late contenders? Here’s an in-depth look at the potential surprises and their current form.

Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund) – Surprise factor: 2/10

Like his Borussia Dortmund teammate Karim Adeyemi, Maximilian Beier was not included in Nagelsmann’s March squad. Instead, the coach went with Brentford’s Kevin Schade, noting that only one or two of the three quick attacking options would make it to the World Cup.

“One of the three—maybe two—will eventually go. They all have equal chances. Kevin just happens to be showing what he can do right now. The others had their turn before,” Nagelsmann explained. Beier’s last call-up came in October 2023.

Beier’s recent form, however, is impossible to overlook. With Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry injured, there’s an opening in attack. The Dortmund winger has been in top form, finishing the season strongly on the left flank with 10 goals and 10 assists across competitions. His relentless work rate and defensive contribution align perfectly with Nagelsmann’s philosophy.

Matthias Ginter (SC Freiburg) – Surprise factor: 9/10

At 32, Matthias Ginter is enjoying a career resurgence. The centre-back has been a key figure in SC Freiburg’s run to the Europa League final and their pursuit of another European qualification spot.

Germany legend Lothar Matthäus and ex-international Max Kruse both back Ginter for a World Cup return. Teammate Igor Matanovic added, “If I were the coach, I’d take him without hesitation. The results prove his impact.”

Ginter confirmed that Nagelsmann spoke to him before the March friendlies but decided to wait. “From what I hear, nothing’s final yet, so let’s see,” he said. The 2014 World Cup winner, who didn’t play a single match at that tournament, has arguably had one of his best seasons ever. Yet, Nagelsmann hasn’t selected him since taking over; Ginter last played for Germany in June 2023 under Hansi Flick.

Still, his chances seem slim. The coach is likely to pick Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rüdiger, and Waldemar Anton, leaving one open centre-back slot. That place was taken by Newcastle United’s Malick Thiaw in March. At 24, Thiaw is eight years younger and seen as one for the future, which could give him the edge. Ginter’s versatility as a right-back backup remains his best hope.

Yann Bisseck (Inter Milan) – Surprise factor: 8/10

At 25, Yann Bisseck’s youth and long-term potential make him an appealing option. Despite strong form at Inter Milan, he was left out of the March squad and then suffered a muscle issue. Returning at the end of April, he scored in a 2-2 draw against Torino. As a consistent starter for the Serie A champions, his case is compelling.

Nevertheless, Bisseck hasn’t featured for the national team since debuting against Italy in March 2025. A World Cup call-up would be a surprise, though his steady progress makes him a player worth watching.

Said El Mala (1. FC Köln) – Surprise factor: 6/10

When Said El Mala was briefly promoted to the senior squad last November, Nagelsmann said the youngster needed to “polish a few areas” before becoming a regular starter for Köln. Six months later, El Mala has done exactly that—starting nine consecutive Bundesliga games under new management.

The 19-year-old has been electric, contributing five goals and two assists since late February. His flair and creativity could make him a valuable bench option for the World Cup, though competition up front remains fierce with Leroy Sané, Lennart Karl, Chris Führich, and Maxi Beier all ahead in the pecking order.

Assan Ouedraogo (RB Leipzig) – Surprise factor: 5/10

If not for injuries between November and March, Assan Ouedraogo might have been a certain pick. Before his setbacks, the RB Leipzig midfielder—part of Germany’s U17 World and European champion sides—had become a regular starter. He even marked his senior debut in a 6-0 win over Slovakia with a goal.

After a long recovery, Ouedraogo is regaining form, starting three of Leipzig’s last four matches. Nagelsmann admires his technical quality and energy, and his ability to play as a six, eight, or ten gives him tactical flexibility. However, with Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, Felix Nmecha, Anton Stach, and Angelo Stiller in contention, competition is fierce.

Nicolo Tresoldi (Club Brugge) – Surprise factor: 9/10

With Niclas Füllkrug struggling, Tim Kleindienst injured, and Jonathan Burkardt out of form, Nicolo Tresoldi might emerge as an outsider for the striker role. The 21-year-old has impressed at Club Brugge, scoring in the Champions League against elite clubs like Barcelona and Atlético Madrid and helping Brugge chase the Belgian league title.

Though yet to be called up, Tresoldi could secure his international future by committing to Germany over Italy or Argentina, both of which he is eligible to represent. A World Cup invitation could seal that choice.

Anton Kade (FC Augsburg) – Surprise factor: 10/10

If Nagelsmann sought advice from former assistant Sandro Wagner, Anton Kade’s name would likely come up. Brought to Augsburg from Basel by Wagner, the 22-year-old has been a revelation with his speed and attacking instinct. His performances—like his equaliser against Frankfurt and brace versus Bremen—underline his potential.

Wagner lauds Kade’s work ethic and humility, traits that make him an ideal squad player. However, Nagelsmann hasn’t yet observed him closely, which could make selection unlikely this time around.

Maximilian Mittelstädt (VfB Stuttgart) – Surprise factor: 7/10

David Raum is a guaranteed pick at left-back, leaving Maximilian Mittelstädt to compete with Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown. Brown, who has been preferred in recent squads, seems to have edged ahead. Mittelstädt, once a first-choice defender during the 2024 Euros, hasn’t been called up since the September defeat to Slovakia. Though he’s been consistent for Stuttgart, a recall appears doubtful.

Ridle Baku (RB Leipzig) – Surprise factor: 3/10

After four years away, Ridle Baku returned to the national team in October 2025. His solid Bundesliga form at Leipzig earned him minutes and a goal against Slovakia. However, he was omitted in March, with Josha Vagnoman preferred as Kimmich’s understudy. Since then, Baku has reasserted himself at Leipzig, helping them to six wins in seven matches. With Vagnoman now benched, Baku seems the frontrunner for the backup right-back role.

Maximilian Eggestein (SC Freiburg) – Surprise factor: 10/10

Maximilian Eggestein has played every minute of Freiburg’s 33 Bundesliga matches this season, underlining his durability and consistency. Although he has not earned a senior cap, his leadership and reliability could tempt Nagelsmann, especially with the final midfield spots still undecided. He last received a national team call-up in 2019 under Joachim Löw but didn’t feature. While a World Cup call-up would be unexpected, his form certainly merits consideration.

Upcoming fixtures for Germany:

Sunday, 31 May (8:45 pm) – Germany vs Finland – Friendly

Saturday, 6 June (8:30 pm) – USA vs Germany – Friendly

Sunday, 14 June (7:00 pm) – Germany vs Curaçao – 2026 World Cup

Saturday, 20 June (10:00 pm) – Germany vs Ivory Coast – 2026 World Cup

Thursday, 25 June (10:00 pm) – Ecuador vs Germany – 2026 World Cup