Germany World Cup squad: Predicted lineup for 2026

Germany are one of the heavyweight forces at World Cup 2026, but there are still a few question marks over which players will make up their starting XI in North America.

Unlike in many previous editions, Germany are not among the outright favourites to lift the trophy this summer, so it is vitally important that they get their selection decisions right.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side impressed at Euro 2024. They bowed out at the quarter-final stage, but only after giving champions Spain their toughest test of the tournament. However, unlike two years ago, Germany will not benefit from home advantage at the World Cup.

Germany will begin their campaign against Curacao on June 14. They are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in that game and for the rest of the competition, although Nagelsmann may shift things around once the action is under way.

Germany have lost some big players in the last two years, and it will be fascinating to see how this new-look team gets on.

Our predictions for the Germany World Cup squad

• Goalkeeper – Oliver Baumann
• Centre-Back – Antonio Rudiger
• Left-Back – David Raum
• Central Defensive Midfielder – Leon Goretzka
• Right-Winger – Leroy Sane
• Striker – Kai Havertz

Bet on the open positions in Germany’s starting 11 at Betway

Julian Nagelsmann a top coach

Julian Nagelsmann is one of the best managers at the World Cup. This is not a vintage Germany squad, so their coach is one of their biggest assets.

A bright tactician, Nagelsmann’s Germany looked like a club side at Euro 2024 with a coherent approach in and out of possession. 

This will probably be Nagelsmann’s first and last World Cup as Germany boss, with the former Bayern Munich honcho out of contract in 2028. That will make him doubly determined to go all the way this summer.

Prediction for Head Coach

No one would call this squad one of Germany’s best ever, so it is vital that Nagelsmann’s side are more than the sum of their parts. The 38-year-old favours an energetic, intense approach, so expect Germany to press high up the pitch.

The star player: Jamal Musiala

Jamal Musiala missed a large chunk of the club season with injury, but that might make him fresher for the World Cup. The England-born attacking midfielder is supremely gifted, possessing excellent poise, balance and footwork in tight areas of the pitch.

Musiala is quick and strong too, and Nagelsmann will want to see him break into the box when the ball is out wide. The Bayern Munich man will be at the heart of many of his team’s attacking moves.

Prediction for Star Player

Musiala has the quality and the personality to dominate games at the highest level. He teamed up nicely with Florian Wirtz at the European Championship two years ago, and he has the attributes to be both a creator and converter of chances at World Cup 2026.

Musiala is Germany’s most important player.

Germany starting 11 vs. Curacao predictions

How to bet on the Germany World Cup squad

There are specific betting markets relevant to the Germany starting XI for World Cup 2026. One of the most obvious is the anytime goalscorer market.

Although Kai Havertz looks set to be Germany’s starting centre-forward, Jamal Musiala may emerge as their principal goal threat.

For value, consider Leon Goretzka and his darts into the box. 

Another individual player market worth watching is cards. Antonio Rudiger is a strong contender here. A rugged defender who does not like to give opposition strikers time on the ball, the Real Madrid man has been known to overstep the mark.

FAQ about the 2026 Germany World Cup squad

1. How many times have Germany won the World Cup?

Germany have won the World Cup four times, which means only Brazil have had more success on the biggest stage of all.

Their maiden triumph came in 1954, when they upset Hungary in the final. West Germany beat the Netherlands in the 1974 showpiece, and they were also triumphant in 1990 and 2014.

2. Which players are injured and missing from the starting 11?

Serge Gnabry may well have been in the starting XI if fit, but he has been ruled out of the World Cup after tearing his abductor.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen faces a race against time to recover from a thigh injury, with the Girona loanee likely to be Germany’s back-up goalkeeper at best.

Felix Nmecha has recently returned from a knee problem.

3. Are there any changes to Germany’s usual starting 11?

Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos played for Germany at Euro 2024, but the former has retired from international duty and the latter has hung up his boots altogether. Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller have also departed the scene to focus on the last few years of their club careers.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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