Anticipation for the return of international football’s biggest showcase is growing, and with Germany among the 2026 World Cup favorites, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Die Mannschaft squad to go to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The official squad announcement is coming on May 21, after Julian Nagelsmann decided to delay it until after the conclusion of the Bundesliga season. The original date was set to be May 12.
As the World Cup edges closer and with the squad announcement around the corner, let’s take a look at which players are expected to be on the plane.
Key Players
Nagelsmann is likely to opt for a mix of experienced leaders, first-name-on-the-teamsheet kind of guys, and some younger, more up-and-coming stars.
In terms of key players, there aren’t many more important than Joshua Kimmich.
Joshua Kimmich, a seasoned veteran at this point at 31, and a key figure in Bayern’s midfield, is expected to revert to his old right-back position in Nagelsmann’s setup.
Despite his limited time on the ball, Kimmich’s ability to read the game and direct play makes him a crucial asset to the team.
His dead-ball delivery is also a significant weapon for the team.
Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz will be expected to step up and lead his country from a creative and attacking perspective.
Despite a challenging debut season with Liverpool, Wirtz continues to impress in a Germany shirt.
Nagelsmann has deployed him across the attacking midfield, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s performance.
Despite his relative youth, Wirtz’s growing leadership within the squad underscores his importance to the team.
Young Stars
Germany is blessed with several players who are still very young despite being established, household names.
One such player is Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala.
Despite an injury-ravaged season, Musiala is regaining fitness at the right time and he should be able to make an impact at the World Cup.
His dribbling and ability to beat players set him apart from others in the squad. His return to fitness is a significant boost for the team.
Musiala’s Bayern midfield partner, 21-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic, has shown excellent form in the middle of the park this season, particularly in the Champions League.
His energy, determination and overall quality could prove crucial to Die Mannschaft’s success, especially as he will be able to work well with his Bayern teammates, who he will likely be paired with in midfield.
Rising Talents
Nagelsmann will likely throw in a couple of surprise inclusions in the shape of rising stars whose youthful exuberance could be used to unlock stubborn defences.
Young players in the Bundesliga have been making an extraordinary impact this season, and several of them will have their fingers crossed for a call-up on May 21.
Many big nations have done this to good effect at tournaments in the past, including Germany, and while such players won’t be expected to shoulder a great deal of responsibility, and will mostly be there to gain experience, they can sometimes turn up in big moments and make history.
Lennart Karl, despite stiff competition, has been making headlines in Munich thanks to his brilliant performances and will surely be at the top of a list of exciting youngsters who may get on the plane.
After scoring 34 goals for Bayern’s U17 and U19 teams in 2024/25, Karl was rewarded with a place in Vincent Kompany’s squad this season. He has taken that opportunity and played well.
What’s more, he has already won 2 caps, despite being 18-years-old. While he may not get on the pitch in the end at the World Cup, many expect him to be a part of the squad.
Meanwhile, Cologne youngster Said El Mala has shot to stardom. El Mala has not looked out of place in the top flight this term.
His keen eye for goal made him one of Germany’s standout players at the 2025 European U19 Championship, and Nagelsmann may feel it’s time to give him a chance to experience the senior setup at this World Cup.
Nagelsmann could deploy him in pre-tournament friendlies to enable him to get a couple of senior caps before the squad jets off.
The Germany squad for the World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a formidable one, with a mix of experienced players, young stars, and rising talents.
As always, Die Mannschaft will certainly be one to watch when the tournament comes around.
