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Here’s everything you need to know about Germany’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Four-time world champions Germany will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Europe’s most established footballing powers.

The German national team last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2014, producing an unforgettable 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi-final before edging past Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final at the Maracana to bring football’s biggest prize back to Berlin. Since that historic triumph, however, Germany have struggled to replicate that success in major international competitions.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Die Mannschaft suffered a shocking group-stage elimination, a disappointment that repeated itself in the 2022 edition in Qatar, where they were drawn in a tough group alongside Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica.

Despite these setbacks, Germany boast a talented squad featuring some of Europe’s brightest young stars, making them a formidable side capable of challenging any opponent on their day.

All eyes will be on how head coach Julian Nagelsmann shapes his team and how far Germany can progress in the upcoming tournament.

Here’s a closer look at the players selected for the event.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer makes a remarkable comeback for the World Cup after initially retiring following the 2024 European Championship. The veteran goalkeeper’s return adds invaluable experience to the squad.

Backing him up are Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel, both reliable options between the posts.

Defenders

Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah are expected to form the first-choice centre-back pairing for the tournament.

Joshua Kimmich will slot in at right-back, while David Raum is likely to occupy the left-back position, facing competition from Nathaniel Brown of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Julian Nagelsmann has also included Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw as defensive options, providing solid depth across the backline.

Midfielders

The midfield battle will see Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, and Leon Goretzka compete for the two central roles.

Florian Wirtz is a guaranteed starter in the attacking setup, and Jamal Musiala is also strongly tipped for a starting berth. With several attacking talents in contention, competition for places remains intense. Young Bayern Munich prospect Lennart Karl has also earned a spot in the squad, marking a proud moment in his career.

Attackers

Kai Havertz is almost certain to lead the line up front. Nick Woltemade and Deniz Undav are also in contention for significant minutes on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund forward Maximilian Beier has made his return to the national setup, further strengthening Germany’s attacking depth.

Key Players for Germany

As highlighted earlier, Jamal Musiala is widely expected to be Germany’s standout performer at the 2026 World Cup. The young playmaker has long been touted as one of the nation’s brightest prospects and could play a decisive role if Germany make a deep run in the competition.

Alongside the Bayern Munich star, Florian Wirtz will be another player under the spotlight. The Liverpool midfielder has settled well at Anfield, contributing 15 goal involvements across all competitions this season.

Veteran stars Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rüdiger will also shoulder major responsibilities. Both have been central figures for Germany over the years and will once again be expected to lead by example on the global stage.

Up front, Kai Havertz could prove to be a key factor for Die Mannschaft. Though primarily an attacking midfielder, Havertz has successfully adapted to playing as a number nine, offering flexibility and attacking prowess.

Predicted Germany Starting XI for FIFA World Cup 2026

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