Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is beginning to solidify his plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. While the final 26-man roster won’t be finalized until May, several players appear to be all but guaranteed a spot, according to reports from Sky Germany. Among those seemingly secure are forwards Nick Woltemade and Kai Havertz, despite differing current form for their respective clubs.
Nagelsmann has reportedly been in direct communication with both players, offering strong words of encouragement. He recently spoke with Woltemade, currently with Newcastle United, and expressed full confidence in the 24-year-old, even as the striker navigates a difficult stretch without a goal since December. Havertz, playing for Arsenal, has recently returned from a knee injury and has found the back of the net twice in the Champions League, further solidifying his position in Nagelsmann’s plans.
Germany’s World Cup Group and Qualification
Germany will face Curaçao, the Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in Group E of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, expanded to 48 teams, will be jointly hosted across North America, with the final taking place in New York/New Jersey on July 19th. Germany boasts a rich World Cup history, having secured four titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) across 21 tournament appearances.
Undav’s Position Less Certain
While Havertz’s versatility – capable of playing as both a striker and attacking midfielder – is highly valued by Nagelsmann, Deniz Undav’s inclusion isn’t yet assured. Despite enjoying a stellar season with VfB Stuttgart, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists, his role within the national team setup isn’t as clearly defined. The style of play favored by Nagelsmann differs significantly from that employed by Stuttgart, creating some uncertainty around how Undav would fit into the squad.
Nagelsmann has reportedly been in contact with Undav, though a recent interview where the player stated he had no contact with the national team manager caused some waves. Nagelsmann clarified this as a misunderstanding.
The Target Man Debate: Füllkrug and Kleindienst
Adding an interesting dimension to the forward line, Nagelsmann is also considering including either Niclas Füllkrug or Tim Kleindienst in the final squad. The rationale behind this potential selection is the necessitate for a classic target man – a physically imposing striker strong in the air – particularly for crucial moments late in matches. Füllkrug, currently with AC Milan, brings valuable tournament experience to the table, a factor Nagelsmann clearly values. However, he hasn’t consistently featured in Milan’s starting lineup and has only scored once since joining the club in January.
Kleindienst, recovering from a knee surgery, remains a potential surprise inclusion. Nagelsmann has reportedly maintained contact with both strikers, keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Squad Size and Historical Precedent
Nagelsmann is expected to name a preliminary squad in May, with the final roster capped at 26 players. At the 2024 European Championship, Nagelsmann previously nominated Füllkrug, Undav, Havertz, and Thomas Müller as his forward options, with Maximilian Beier also capable of playing in an attacking role. This suggests a potential for a similar composition in the 2026 World Cup squad.
Players Facing an Uphill Battle
Currently, Nicolo Tresoldi of Club Brugge and Jonathan Burkardt of Eintracht Frankfurt appear to have a more challenging path to securing a place in Nagelsmann’s squad.
The upcoming test matches against Switzerland and Ghana will be crucial opportunities for players to impress Nagelsmann and stake their claim for a spot on the plane to North America. The manager will be carefully evaluating each player’s form, tactical fit, and potential contribution to the team’s success.
As Germany prepares for the expanded 48-team tournament, Nagelsmann is clearly prioritizing a blend of experience, versatility, and proven goal-scoring ability in his forward line. The coming months will be pivotal in determining which players will ultimately represent Die Mannschaft on the world stage.
Next Up: Germany will continue their preparations with upcoming international friendlies. Details regarding the exact schedule and venues will be announced by the German Football Association (DFB) in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on Nagelsmann’s potential squad selections? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
