Germany is scheduled to face Switzerland in a friendly match as part of its World Cup preparations, but Niclas Füllkrug is notably absent from the roster. This raises immediate questions: What are the reasons for his omission, and which players have been nominated in his stead?
The German national team (DFB-Team) has several exhibition matches planned before the World Cup commences. These include an away game in Switzerland this Friday (March 27) and a home fixture against Ghana in Stuttgart on Monday (March 30). However, Niclas Füllkrug is not among the players selected by Julian Nagelsmann for these encounters.
This article will delve into the specifics of why Niclas Füllkrug was not included and who has been chosen to represent Germany in his place.
Germany’s Squad and Lineup Against Switzerland: The Reasons Behind Niclas Füllkrug’s Omission and His Replacements
For this final series of friendly matches, the national coach has selected several prominent offensive players. Those nominated include Deniz Undav, Chris Führich (VfB Stuttgart), Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray Istanbul), Kevin Schade (Brentford), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), and Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United). Among these forwards, Undav, Havertz, and Woltemade are considered the leading candidates for the central striker position.
Nagelsmann must contend with several injury-related absences for this concluding block of test matches. Jamal Musiala’s unavailability was confirmed early on. Subsequently, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, and most recently Jamie Leweling all withdrew from the squad due to injuries despite initial nominations. Angelo Stiller and Chris Führich were later called up as replacements for Pavlovic and Nmecha, with no further additions expected. Additionally, Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, who had already joined the team, has now pulled out due to a capsule injury and will be replaced by Finn Dahmen from FC Augsburg.
Meanwhile, striker Niclas Füllkrug was notably overlooked. The forward, described as being from AC Milan, had consistently been a candidate for major tournaments in recent years. However, following his winter loan move from West Ham United to Milan, he has largely been confined to the substitutes’ bench, scoring only once in thirteen appearances. Since his departure from BVB in the summer of 2024, the 33-year-old has frequently battled injuries, causing a spot on the DFB team plane to progressively move further out of reach. In contrast, considerable surprise and dissatisfaction have been expressed regarding the non-nomination of Maximilian Beier.
Germany vs. Switzerland: The Official German National Team Lineup
The DFB-Team typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, and Julian Nagelsmann will maintain this system for the match against the Swiss national team.
Oliver Baumann is set to start as the undisputed number one goalkeeper. In the defensive four, Joshua Kimmich will occupy the right-back position, with David Raum on the left. Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck are slated to start in central defense.
In midfield, the recently called-up Angelo Stiller will partner Leon Goretzka in the double pivot.
Florian Wirtz is a confirmed starter in the attacking midfield role (number ten), while Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry will operate on the wings. Upfront, Kai Havertz surprisingly gets the nod over Deniz Undav for the central striker position (number nine).
- Official Germany Lineup: Baumann — Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum — Goretzka, Stiller — Sane, Gnabry, Wirtz — Havertz
Germany’s Squad and Lineup Against Switzerland: Füllkrug’s Absence and Replacements — Broadcast Details
The friendly match will be broadcast on free-to-air television, with coverage starting at 8:15 PM (CET) with pre-match reports featuring a moderator and expert analysis. A well-known commentator will provide live commentary for the game. For those preferring to watch via livestream, a paid subscription option is available.
Germany’s Squad and Lineup Against Switzerland: Key Information
- Match: Switzerland vs. Germany
- Competition: Friendly Match
- Date: March 27, 2026
- Kick-off: 8:45 PM (CET)
- Venue: St.-Jakob-Park, Basel (Switzerland)