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Six hours prior to the scheduled official announcement, the German Football Association (DFB) has taken the wraps off its initial World Cup squad.

The much-awaited World Cup team has now been revealed, piece by piece. Similar to the scavenger-style unveiling that preceded the European Championship held on home soil, head coach Julian Nagelsmann is once again introducing his squad for this summer’s World Cup one player at a time.

This time, however, the online campaign began only six hours before the national coach officially presented the complete 26-member roster in Frankfurt at 1:00 pm, with captain Joshua Kimmich leading the announcement.

Before the full World Cup lineup, featuring the remarkable comeback of Manuel Neuer, is formally introduced at the DFB Campus, the names of twelve players selected for the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (scheduled from 11 June to 19 July) will be disclosed. Each selected player will be featured in a short video that includes insights from the national team manager, as well as messages from friends and family expressing their pride in their World Cup-bound loved one.

During the announcement, Nagelsmann told Kimmich, “I’m truly happy to have you as my leader on the pitch.”

For Kimmich, the inner circle highlighted in the video included his wife Lina and a childhood friend. Nagelsmann described the Bayern Munich midfielder as “a role model for countless young boys and girls who love football and dream of making it professionally, because you always set an example with your positive drive.” The coach continued, “I’m glad you’re also my captain on the field, pushing the team forward—hopefully all the way to the World Cup trophy. Stay just as you are, give everything you’ve got—you’re an exceptional player and an exceptional person. I’m rooting for you.”

Kimmich’s wife, Lina, referred to him as her “best friend,” “a wonderful husband, and an even better father.” She added, “We feel proud and thankful to be building a big family together with you. Thank you for being such a strong presence in our lives.”