News Focus
- Germany face pressure to improve after failing to advance from the group stage in the last two World Cup tournaments
- Captain Manuel Neuer returns from international retirement to start between the posts
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann plans to use Joshua Kimmich at right-back rather than in central midfield
- Leon Goretzka could play as an attacking midfielder despite limited minutes at Bayern Munich this season
- Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are guaranteed starters in the final third
Germany enter the 2026 World Cup in North America with heavy expectations. The national team crashed out during the group phase at the previous two tournaments. Now, head coach Julian Nagelsmann hopes to guide his squad much deeper into the competition.
The tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico in roughly three weeks. Germany’s first opponents will be Curaçao. Nagelsmann has already decided on the majority of his starting eleven.
Manuel Neuer will wear the captain’s armband. The legendary goalkeeper reversed his decision to retire from international duty specifically for this World Cup. He will guard the net unless injury strikes.
The defence will likely feature four players. Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and David Raum appear to be the preferred options. Antonio Rüdiger provides experienced cover in the centre of defence. Nathaniel Brown waits on the bench as an alternative left-back.
Kimmich usually controls the midfield for Bayern Munich. However, Nagelsmann lacks strong choices at right-back. For this reason, the coach will deploy Kimmich in the defensive flank.
In the middle of the park, Aleksandar Pavlović holds a starting spot. He impressed during the qualifying matches before missing recent friendlies through injury. The main uncertainty surrounds his partner in the double pivot.
Leon Goretzka spent most of this season on the substitutes’ bench at Bayern Munich. Despite this, Nagelsmann trusts him to start. The coach has praised the midfielder publicly on several occasions.
Serge Gnabry will miss the tournament due to injury. This absence might push Goretzka into an advanced role behind the strikers. Nagelsmann has used him there before. He values Goretzka’s strength in the air and physical power in attacking positions.
If Goretzka moves forward, Felix Nmecha will start alongside Pavlović. The Borussia Dortmund player recently received high praise from Nagelsmann. The coach described him as “world-class”.
Three attackers are certain to start. Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala form the core of the offensive strategy. Nagelsmann confirmed this when he named his final squad.
The team shape depends on Goretzka’s position. If he plays as a number ten, Havertz leads the attack. Nick Woltemade offers another option as a central striker. In this case, both Havertz and Goretzka could drop deeper. Alternatively, Jamie Leweling might play on the wing. This would allow Goretzka to return to a deeper midfield role. In both these situations, Nmecha would sit on the bench.
Currently, the most probable lineup sees Nmecha and Pavlović protecting the defence. Goretzka would operate just ahead of them. Musiala and Wirtz would provide width. Havertz would spearhead the attack.
Other possible combinations include Woltemade as the focal point with Goretzka deeper. Another variation features Leweling on the flank. However, the setup with Nmecha and Pavlović at the base remains the favourite for the opening match.