Germany FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Nagelsmann’s youthful team seeks turnaround

A king who has been conquered must see strange looks…’: Saki’s words could not be more true for Germany in the context of the World Cup, as the team that won the tournament in 2014 has since failed to surpass the group stage.

There has been a stir in the country, the coaches have changed hands and now the four-time world champions will look to make a fresh start in the United States, Mexico and Canada under young coach Julian Nagelsmann.

The team has firepower in prodigies like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz – two explosive, attacking players who can wreak havoc in the opposition’s penalty area.

But Germany’s strength lies in the balance between agility and composure. It is here that the muscularity and positioning of Leon Goretzka and captain Joshua Kimmich could be crucial. Kimmich, who has won the German Cup and the Bundesliga this season, has remained an ever-present mainstay.

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Nagelsmann has also had to mend bridges in the dressing room and bury the ghosts of the rift with 2023 Manuel Neuer. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper had a falling out with the coach during their time at Bayern Munich and much water has flown under the bridge since then.

Neuer announced his international retirement after Euro 2024, but his performances in the Champions League – especially his nine saves in Real Madrid versus Bayern Munich this season – are proof that the old warhorse has not lost his luster at the age of 40. Now, set to return to the national team as No. 1 after almost two years away, Neuer will certainly give a boost to the Germans who are looking to turn the corner after years of woes in the tournament.

Player to watch out for: Joshua Kimmich

Germany is packed with youngsters, but the center of the team will inevitably be Bayern Munich’s lynchpin. The 31-year-old has transformed himself from a full back to a versatile midfielder. While Wirtz and Musiala will dictate the attack, Kimmich is expected to play the role of a modern-day libero, following and often orchestrating play.

Manager

The former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig manager has been in charge of Germany since 2023 and guided the side to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Nagelsmann is known for his pressing formations and will look to utilize Wirtz and Musiala well in midfield to make constant attacking a habit and ensure Germany lives up to its reputation for attacking football at the World Cup.

Team

• Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel

• Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, David Raum, Malick Thiaw, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich

• Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller, Assan Ouedraogo, Nadiem Amiri, Aleksandar Pavlović, Felix Nmecha, Pascal Gross

• Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Leroy Sané, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier

Published on June 7, 2026