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Although Jonas Urbig cannot take part in matches, head coach Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly prepared to include him in Germany’s World Cup squad.

Just a day before the official squad announcement, details of Nagelsmann’s latest choices have surfaced, primarily focusing on the goalkeeping department.

According to reports from Bild and Sky, VfB Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel will travel to North America as Germany’s third-choice goalkeeper for the tournament. Jonas Urbig, who was also being considered for selection, is expected to join the squad as a “training goalkeeper.” The 22-year-old will take part in practice sessions but will not be eligible to feature in official matches.

Several reports confirm that Manuel Neuer will rejoin the DFB squad and begin the tournament as the first-choice goalkeeper, provided he regains full fitness. The 40-year-old was substituted during Bayern’s final Bundesliga fixture against 1. FC Köln due to a muscle issue in his left calf, putting his participation in Saturday’s DFB Cup final against VfB Stuttgart in doubt.

Consequently, former No. 1 Oliver Baumann has been moved to a backup role, a decision Nagelsmann is said to have communicated to him personally.

Alexander Nübel’s prospects after the World Cup remain uncertain.

Nübel is expected to serve as the third-choice goalkeeper at Bayern Munich despite his complicated relationship with Neuer. Having joined the club on a free transfer in 2020 as Neuer’s understudy, he never managed to secure regular playing time. Reports also indicate that their personal relationship was somewhat strained.

Between 2021 and 2023, Nübel was loaned to AS Monaco, and since returning to Germany, he has impressed at Stuttgart, earning a national team call-up through his performances. His stint with VfB is likely to conclude this summer, though Bayern’s management has recently ruled out a return to Munich, where he remains under contract until 2030. His next move after the World Cup is still unresolved.

Urbig joined Bayern in January 2025, establishing a strong working relationship with Neuer and making 19 appearances this season, partly benefiting from Neuer’s injury absences. Reports suggest that Neuer himself advocated for Urbig’s inclusion in the World Cup squad. Urbig is regarded as the long-term successor to Neuer at Bayern and potentially Germany’s future first-choice goalkeeper.