Germany odds: 9.00 · 4-time champions · Nagelsmann's squad · Tournament winner, top scorer & Group G markets
Julian Nagelsmann's 26-man roster for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico — headlined by the shock return of 4-time Bundesliga champion Manuel Neuer from international retirement.
Julian Nagelsmann unveiled his final Germany squad on 21 May 2026, blending decorated veterans like Manuel Neuer (returning at age 40), Kimmich captain, and Antonio Rüdiger with elite midfield talent (Wirtz, Musiala) and exciting youngsters like 18-year-old Lennart Karl.
GK: Neuer
DEF: Kimmich · Tah · Schlotterbeck · Raum
MID: Pavlović · Goretzka
ATT: Havertz · Musiala · Wirtz
ST: Woltemade
The back four is essentially settled. Schlotterbeck has emerged as the preferred partner to Tah at centre-back, both thanks to him being a natural left-footer and his ability to build from the back. Kimmich at right-back is non-negotiable, and Raum starts on the left. In midfield, Pavlović and Goretzka are favoured, though Nmecha (recovered from injury) and Stiller (a strong Stuttgart season) compete. Up front, Woltemade's physical presence offers something no other striker provides, while Havertz remains the technical option when fully fit.
Toni Kroos (retired in 2024) — Germany's midfield maestro is no longer eligible. Niclas Füllkrug missed the cut despite previously being first-choice striker. Other notable absences: Tom Bischof, Said El Mala, Chris Führich, Maxi Mittelstädt, and Karim Adeyemi. Captaincy passed firmly to Joshua Kimmich.
Germany are in Group E alongside Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador — a winnable group on paper given Die Mannschaft's pedigree and recent friendly results.
Germany begin their World Cup preparation with a friendly against Finland in Mainz on 31 May, before flying to the United States on 2 June. A final tune-up against the USA in Chicago on 6 June comes before their tournament opener. Base camp: North Carolina.
Germany are priced at approximately 15.00 to win the World Cup, according to Goal Oracle AI predictions — a generous price for a 4-time champion, reflecting two consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 (Russia) and 2022 (Qatar). Nagelsmann's statement is firm: "We want to become world champions."
Key stats this season: Musiala recovered from a broken leg suffered at the FIFA Club World Cup last summer. Wirtz contributed 15 goal involvements at Liverpool. Undav finished as top Bundesliga German scorer with 19 goals. Havertz returns from a difficult Arsenal season but reached the UCL Final.
After a strong Champions League run at Bayern Munich (reaching the semi-finals) and a new one-year contract, the 40-year-old reversed his decision. Nagelsmann called him in March to gauge interest. "His sporting ability was considered above all," Nagelsmann said. "Everyone knows what kind of aura Manu has because of the experience he has and the titles he has won."
Joshua Kimmich (31, Bayern Munich), playing at right-back. He has captained Germany consistently under Nagelsmann.
No. Kroos retired from football entirely in 2024 after the Euros — he is not eligible. Germany's midfield is built around Wirtz, Musiala, Goretzka, Kimmich and Pavlović.
4-2-3-1: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Pavlović, Goretzka; Havertz, Musiala, Wirtz; Woltemade.
An 18-year-old Bayern Munich attacker who impressed throughout 2025/26. He made his Germany senior debut earlier in 2026 and looked comfortable. Nagelsmann included him as the youngest player in the 26-man squad.