Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has made a series of ruthless selection calls ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving out several high-profile internationals, including Marc-André ter Stegen, Niclas Füllkrug and Karim Adeyemi, as he unveiled a squad built around experience, versatility and emerging young talent.
The biggest headline is the dramatic return of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who reversed his international retirement to reclaim Germany’s No. 1 shirt for what will be his fifth World Cup appearance. Nagelsmann confirmed the 40-year-old Bayern Munich legend would enter the tournament as first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel.
Ter Stegen’s omission has stunned many German supporters, especially after Nagelsmann publicly backed the Barcelona goalkeeper earlier this year during his recovery from injury. However, the 33-year-old has struggled with fitness issues following a hamstring setback during a loan spell at Girona, ultimately costing him his place in the squad.
Nagelsmann also left out experienced midfielder Robert Andrich, Inter Milan defender Yann Aurel Bisseck, Brentford winger Kevin Schade and Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi in what German media have described as a bold shift toward tactical balance rather than reputation.
Perhaps the most controversial exclusion is striker Niclas Füllkrug, one of Germany’s cult heroes from recent tournaments. Nagelsmann defended the decision by insisting the squad already possesses enough aerial strength through players such as Kai Havertz, Leon Goretzka and rising forward Nick Woltemade.
According to reports from Germany, the coach was unconvinced by Füllkrug’s recent goal return and overall form over the past two years.
Instead, Nagelsmann has placed his faith in a younger attacking core led by Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Maximilian Beier and teenage Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl, one of the breakout names included in the squad after impressing during the Bundesliga season.
The Germany boss has consistently hinted in recent months that the majority of his World Cup squad was already decided, saying earlier in May that “20 players” were already fixed in his plans while only a handful of positions remained open.
Germany enter the tournament under immense pressure after humiliating group-stage exits at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Nagelsmann, who extended his contract through 2026 after Euro 2024, has been tasked with restoring the four-time world champions to football’s summit.
The new-look squad combines established leaders such as Antonio Rüdiger, Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sané with a fearless new generation spearheaded by Musiala and Wirtz — two players widely viewed as the future faces of German football.
Germany have been drawn in Group E alongside Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao, with expectations once again sky-high as Nagelsmann attempts to guide the Mannschaft to a fifth World Cup title.
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