Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named in Germany’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Bayern Munich great and 2014 World Cup winner had originally called time on his international career after UEFA EURO 2024, but has reversed that decision and will travel to North America as first-choice keeper for what will be his fifth finals appearance.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann, who at 38 is two years Neuer’s junior, has opted for a mix of international experience, established key players, and those who have come to the fore with strong performances in recent months.
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Oliver Baumann | TSG Hoffenheim |
| Manuel Neuer | Bayern Munich |
| Alexander Nübel | VfB Stuttgart |
Defenders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Waldemar Anton | Borussia Dortmund |
| Nathaniel Brown | Eintracht Frankfurt |
| Joshua Kimmich (C) | Bayern Munich |
| David Raum | RB Leipzig |
| Antonio Rüdiger | Real Madrid |
| Nico Schlotterbeck | Borussia Dortmund |
| Jonathan Tah | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Malick Thiaw | AC Milan |
Midfielders
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Nadiem Amiri | Mainz 05 |
| Leon Goretzka | Bayern Munich |
| Pascal Groß | Borussia Dortmund |
| Lennart Karl | 1. FC Heidenheim |
| Jamie Leweling | VfB Stuttgart |
| Jamal Musiala | Bayern Munich |
| Felix Nmecha | Borussia Dortmund |
| Aleksandar Pavlovic | Bayern Munich |
| Leroy Sané | Bayern Munich |
| Angelo Stiller | VfB Stuttgart |
| Florian Wirtz | Bayer Leverkusen |
Forwards
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Maximilian Beier | Borussia Dortmund |
| Kai Havertz | Arsenal |
| Deniz Undav | VfB Stuttgart |
| Nick Woltemade | Werder Bremen |
The team will be captained by Joshua Kimmich, who is set to play a central role as a leader at the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Also on the list are Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Nico Schlotterbeck, who are expected to be among the most influential figures in the squad. (Source: fifa.com)
Deutscher WM-Kader 2026
Jonas Urbig, Neuer’s deputy at Bayern, will travel with the group as a fourth backup goalkeeper, should he be required due to illness or injury. Among the best-known names not included are Karim Adeyemi, Robert Andrich, and Niclas Füllkrug.
Germany will kick off their Group E campaign against Curaçao in Houston on 14 June, before facing Côte d’Ivoire (20 June in Toronto) and then Ecuador (25 June in New York New Jersey).
Tournament Outlook
Strengths: Midfield creativity (Musiala, Wirtz), defensive experience (Rüdiger, Neuer), tactical flexibility (Nagelsmann).
Weaknesses: Lack of a prolific No. 9, Kimmich’s defensive vulnerability at right-back, reliance on Neuer’s health.
Verdict: Germany have the talent to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals. A deep run will depend on Musiala and Wirtz delivering consistently, and Neuer staying fit. If everything clicks, a sixth World Cup title is not out of reach.
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