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The German Football Association (DFB) has unveiled the squad numbers for Germany’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico — and the selection of the No. 9 jersey has caught many by surprise.

As anticipated, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will reclaim the iconic No. 1 shirt for the upcoming tournament. His backup, Oliver Baumann, has been assigned No. 12, while young talent Lennart Karl will wear No. 25. However, it is the jersey number given to one of the wingers that has drawn the most attention.

Jamie Leweling, representing VfB Stuttgart, has been named as the wearer of the prestigious No. 9 shirt during the World Cup. Traditionally, this number is reserved for out-and-out strikers and was last donned by Niclas Füllkrug, who has not been named in the current World Cup squad.

Usually deployed as a winger for VfB Stuttgart, where he wears No. 18, Leweling will now sport the symbolic No. 9 during the global showpiece.

Among the team’s recognised forwards, Deniz Undav of VfB Stuttgart takes No. 26, while Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade has been given No. 11.

Apart from this unexpected decision, the DFB and head coach Julian Nagelsmann have largely maintained traditional numbering, avoiding any significant surprises across the rest of the squad.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is making his return to the national setup for the USA-Canada-Mexico tournament, has been confirmed as first-choice by coach Julian Nagelsmann and retains the No. 1 shirt. Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann steps up as second-choice goalkeeper and will wear No. 12.

In terms of leadership, captain Joshua Kimmich has been confirmed with No. 6, while Lennart Karl is also listed with No. 6 in the official DFB squad sheet.

Most of the German players will continue with the same numbers they used during the World Cup qualifying matches. Youngster Lennart Karl keeps No. 25, while captain Joshua Kimmich holds onto his familiar No. 6. Third-choice goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, also from Stuttgart, will wear No. 21.

The 2026 World Cup preparations for the German squad officially begin on Wednesday.

The DFB contingent is set to assemble in Herzogenaurach on Wednesday to start its World Cup training camp. Neuer had to miss Bayern Munich’s DFB-Pokal final last weekend after suffering an injury in the final Bundesliga home fixture against 1. FC Köln. The veteran keeper has already endured three injury layoffs this season due to a torn calf muscle.

“Everyone knows the aura Manu brings, the qualities he has, and how much he contributes to the team. He will be a big help,” said Nagelsmann while announcing his 26-man squad last week. The 2014 World Cup champion had previously stepped away from international duty following Euro 2024, but he is now preparing for what will be his fifth World Cup appearance since his debut in 2010.