Top News

Germany are set to head to North America for the FIFA World Cup this summer, determined to match Brazil’s record with a fifth championship star on their crest and leave behind the disappointment of two consecutive group-stage eliminations.

Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, the German side cruised through their World Cup qualifying campaign, securing five wins out of six matches. They also impressed as hosts of Euro 2024, where they were unfortunate to exit in the quarterfinals against Spain.

Since their glorious 2014 victory — a campaign highlighted by the unforgettable 7-1 semi-final win over Brazil and the triumph against Argentina in the final — Germany have struggled on the global stage, suffering early exits in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

However, the mood within the squad has transformed significantly since Nagelsmann took charge, and there is renewed belief as the team prepares to compete in North America.

One of the major talking points from the squad announcement is the return of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. After announcing his international retirement following Euro 2024, Neuer has been recalled and reinstated as Nagelsmann’s first-choice keeper.

Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz — who missed the 2022 edition due to injury — is set to make his long-awaited World Cup debut. Additionally, 18-year-old Lennart Karl has earned his first senior call-up after an impressive breakthrough season.

Germany have been drawn into Group E alongside Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador.

Group E Fixtures:

Sunday, June 14 – Germany vs Curaçao – NRG Stadium, Houston, USA

Saturday, June 20 – Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire – BMO Field, Toronto, Canada

Thursday, June 25 – Ecuador vs Germany – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA

All kick-off times are BST.

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)

Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Pascal Gross (Brighton), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart)

Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)

Also Read – The five favourites to win the 2026 World Cup