Julian Nagelsmann’s First DFB Squad for WM Year: Six Returnees, Two Newcomers, One Surprise

The German national football team has unveiled its first squad for the 2026 World Cup year. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s initial selection presents few surprises.

The DFB announced the first lineup for the 2026 World Cup cycle, and contrary to expectations following his much-discussed *kicker* interview, Julian Nagelsmann’s choices for the upcoming friendly matches against Switzerland (March 27) and Ghana (March 30) largely align with predictions. It was previously indicated that rising star Said El Mala of 1. FC Köln and Stuttgart’s key midfielder Angelo Stiller would likely struggle to make the cut, and indeed, both players are absent as anticipated.

However, Anton Stach from Leeds United is included – a selection that can be considered a minor surprise. While Nagelsmann had previously acknowledged Stach’s ‘good’ performance at Leeds, he also pointed out the midfielder’s perceived weaknesses in aerial and ground duels. Nagelsmann had stated, ‘He’s not exceptionally strong in headers or a top tackler; rather, he’s someone who prefers to have the game in front of him. I found his best position at Hoffenheim was the central role in a back three, from where he transitioned into a defensive midfield role.’ Following his exclusion last November, it was generally assumed Stach wouldn’t make the DFB squad again. Yet, the situation has changed. The 27-year-old has been called up for a senior national team training camp for the first time in nearly four years, spearheading a sextet of returning players.

Alongside Stach, key players Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) and Kai Havertz (Arsenal FC), both having recovered from long-term injuries, are also making their anticipated returns. Havertz’s comeback, who is expected to lead the attack under Nagelsmann, was particularly eagerly awaited by the national coach. Regarding Rüdiger, Nagelsmann emphasized the necessity for him to be ‘100 percent fit and healthy,’ stating, ‘If he has minor ailments, which he sometimes had with us, he doesn’t reach his performance limit, and that makes no sense.’ However, after overcoming knee and muscle injuries, the opposite now appears true. Rüdiger has reclaimed his starting position in central defense for Real Madrid and impressed in the Champions League Round of 16 matches against Manchester City.

The returning sextet is completed by Pascal Groß, a regular starter for Brighton & Hove after his winter departure from Borussia Dortmund, and the Stuttgart duo of Deniz Undav and Josha Vagnoman. Vagnoman is making his first appearance since his DFB debut almost exactly three years ago and is currently Nagelsmann’s sole nominal backup for right-back Joshua Kimmich, who is in good form.

Nagelsmann’s Dilemma in a Problematic Position and Two Newcomers from FC Bayern

Benjamin Henrichs remains far from his peak performance following an Achilles tendon rupture sustained in December 2024. Ridle Baku, who impressed with a goal and an assist during the World Cup qualifiers in November, is also struggling to find his top form at Leipzig.

Meanwhile, Lennart Karl and Jonas Urbig from FC Bayern are entirely new additions. Urbig has occasionally shone as a stand-in for the frequently injured Manuel Neuer at the record champions, while the 18-year-old Karl has rediscovered his first-half-season form after a dip at the start of the year. According to numerous experts, his earlier performances would have already merited a DFB team nomination. Nagelsmann remarked in early March, ‘I don’t expect him to become a regular starter to then be at the World Cup, because that won’t happen. But he needs to gain a certain rhythm; for young players, it’s a lot about self-confidence. He shouldn’t come to us and be a ‘grey mouse,’ but rather bring this youthful freshness and audacity.’ Karl has recently displayed this ‘audacity’ more frequently in an FC Bayern jersey. In his first true professional season, he currently boasts eight goals and six assists in 34 appearances. The youngster may also have benefited from Jamal Musiala being unavailable for the national team again, in agreement with Bayern. The 23-year-old has been suffering from an ankle joint pain reaction for a week, stemming from a serious injury sustained last summer at the Club World Cup, and is currently sidelined at his club as well.

BVB Stars Excluded Under Nagelsmann — Füllkrug Misses Out

Beyond the head coach’s tough decisions regarding Stiller and El Mala, the exclusion of Maximilian Beier is likely to have raised eyebrows, particularly in Dortmund. Beier has earned a starting spot at BVB in recent weeks and is currently in excellent form, having scored five goals and provided four assists in the last twelve Bundesliga matches. However, this was not enough for him to be called up, nor for Karim Adeyemi. Niclas Füllkrug, who is currently limited to a substitute role at AC Milan and has scored only one goal, is also absent.

Nadiem Amiri, who returned to the national team setup under Nagelsmann last March after almost five years, is also missing from the current squad. However, his absence is not performance-related. The 29-year-old is having another outstanding season at Mainz 05 (15 goals, 3 assists) but has been struggling with a persistent heel injury for weeks.

DFB Team: Germany National Squad