Team profile
Germany
Projected squad breakdown, formation notes, and match context for Germany heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Projected XI
4-2-3-1Projected starters with position context.
Team analysis
Germany enter their home World Cup 2026 with renewed optimism under Julian Nagelsmann. Die Mannschaft have rebuilt following disappointing recent tournaments, blending experienced veterans like Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gundogan with exciting young talents including Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Playing on home soil adds motivation for a nation seeking redemption.
Tactical breakdown
Nagelsmann implements a possession-based 4-2-3-1 that emphasizes quick passing and intelligent movement. Kimmich anchors the midfield with his exceptional distribution. Wirtz and Musiala provide creativity from attacking midfield positions. Havertz operates as a false nine, dropping deep to link play. Full-backs offer width, while the center-backs focus on building from the back under pressure.
Key players
Jamal Musiala is the creative genius, capable of unlocking any defense with his dribbling and vision. Florian Wirtz provides goals and assists from midfield with his intelligent movement. Joshua Kimmich dictates tempo with his passing range and tactical intelligence. Kai Havertz leads the line with technical quality, while Antonio Rudiger organizes the defense.
Group stage outlook
Germany face a challenging group stage that will test their credentials as one of the tournament favorites. Every match will be crucial for building momentum toward the knockout rounds.
Full squad

A. Nübel

F. Dahmen

Manuel Neuer
Bayern Munich

Marc-André ter Stegen
Barcelona

O. Baumann

Oliver Baumann
Hoffenheim

A. Rüdiger

Antonio Rüdiger
Real Madrid

Benjamin Henrichs
RB Leipzig

D. Raum

David Raum
RB Leipzig

J. Tah

Jonathan Tah
Bayer Leverkusen

Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich

M. Mittelstädt

M. Thiaw

Maximilian Mittelstädt
Stuttgart

N. Brown

N. Collins

N. Schlotterbeck

Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund

R. Koch

Robin Koch
Eintracht Frankfurt

W. Anton

A. Ouédraogo

A. Pavlović

A. Stiller

Aleksandar Pavlović
Bayern Munich

F. Nmecha

F. Wirtz

Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen

İlkay Gündoğan
Barcelona

J. Kimmich

Jamal Musiala
Bayern Munich

K. Schade

L. Goretzka

N. Amiri

P. Groß

P. Nebel

Pascal Groß
Borussia Dortmund

R. Andrich

R. Baku

Robert Andrich
Bayer Leverkusen

S. El Mala

Toni Kroos
Retired

Chris Führich
Stuttgart

Deniz Undav
Stuttgart

J. Burkardt

J. Leweling

K. Adeyemi

Kai Havertz
Arsenal

L. Sané

Leroy Sané
Bayern Munich

M. Beier

Maximilian Beier
Borussia Dortmund

N. Füllkrug

N. Woltemade

Niclas Füllkrug
West Ham

S. Gnabry

Serge Gnabry
Bayern Munich

Tim Kleindienst
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Match context
Scheduled matches (earliest first)Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milano
SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, Dortmund
Allianz Arena, München
MHPArena, Stuttgart
Qualification snapshot
Preparation and route context
Recent warm-up form plus the qualification path that led Germany into the tournament.
- Route
- FIFA World Cup Qualifying - UEFA
- Qualification record
- 5W-0D-1L
- Latest qualifier
- Monday, November 17, 2025
- Latest friendly
- Friday, June 7, 2024
W vs Slovakia
W vs Greece
Recent friendlies
International warm-up record: 3W-1D-0L
Friday, June 7, 2024
GermanyvsGreece
W2-1Monday, June 3, 2024
GermanyvsUkraine
D0-0Tuesday, March 26, 2024
GermanyvsNetherlands
W2-1Saturday, March 23, 2024
GermanyvsFrance
W2-0
Partner picks
Fan shop
Official kits, accessories, and fan gear for Germany supporters.