What’s Germany’s squad for the World Cup?

After back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Germany head into the 2026 tournament determined to restore their reputation as one of international football's powerhouse nations.

This will be Julian Nagelsmann's first World Cup as Germany manager, with the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig boss tasked with guiding Die Mannschaft back into the latter stages of the competition. 

Having already overseen Germany at Euro 2024, Nagelsmann has placed his faith in a squad that combines experienced tournament performers with some of Europe's most exciting young talents.

The biggest headline from Germany's 26-man squad announcement was the shock return of Manuel Neuer. 

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper had retired from international football after Euro 2024, but Nagelsmann persuaded the 40-year-old World Cup winner to make one final appearance on the biggest stage.

Neuer is now the sole remaining member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad and brings invaluable tournament know-how to a group packed with players preparing for their first World Cup campaign; making his leadership crucial for a nation still trying to shake off the disappointment of consecutive early exits.

Alongside Neuer, experienced names such as Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz provide a strong leadership core. However, the future of German football is equally well represented, with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz expected to be the creative heartbeat of the side.

Musiala and Wirtz are among the most gifted attacking midfielders in world football and will carry much of Germany's hopes in North America. 

Nagelsmann has also shown faith in emerging talents such as Aleksandar Pavlovic, Nick Woltemade, Kevin Schade and teenage sensation Lennart Karl, who has rapidly risen through Bayern Munich's ranks.

Germany's defence appears stronger than in recent tournaments, with Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck set to form the central defensive partnership, while Kimmich's versatility and Rudiger's experience provide further stability. 

Nagelsmann has repeatedly spoken about restoring Germany's traditional physicality and intensity, qualities he believes have been missing in recent years.

On paper, Group E looks favourable, with Germany facing Curacao, Ivory Coast and Colombia, making anything other than top spot likely considered a major disappointment. 

The real examination is likely to arrive in the knockout rounds, where potential clashes against France, Spain or the Netherlands could await.

With one of the youngest attacking units in the competition and a World Cup-winning goalkeeper returning for one final challenge, Germany have assembled a squad capable of making a deep run. 

Whether they can finally put their recent World Cup disappointments behind them remains one of the tournament's most intriguing storylines.

Germany World Cup 2026 squad

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

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

Midfielders: Pascal Gross (Brighton), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)

Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United)

Germany squad value analysis

According to Transfermarkt, Germany's 2026 World Cup squad carries a combined market value of approximately €998 million (£845m), making it one of the most expensive squads at the tournament.

Key valuation figures

Total squad value: €998m (£845m)

Most valuable player: Florian Wirtz – €110m (£93.5m)

Second most valuable player: Jamal Musiala – €100m (£85m)

Third most valuable player: Aleksandar Pavlovic – €90m (£76.5m)

Highest-valued striker: Nick Woltemade – €65m (£55.3m)

Lowest-valued player: Oliver Baumann – €2.5m (£2.1m)

Lowest-valued outfield player: Pascal Gross – €3.5m (£3m)

Average squad value: €38.38m per player (£32.62m per player)

The headline figure is undoubtedly the combined value of Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Germany's two creative stars are worth €210m (£178.5m) between them, accounting for more than 20 percent of the squad's overall valuation. 

Wirtz remains Germany's most valuable player despite an inconsistent first season at Liverpool, while Musiala continues to be regarded as one of the elite young attacking midfielders in world football.

Another striking aspect of the squad is the value attached to Germany's emerging generation, as Aleksandar Pavlovic €90m (£76.5m), Nick Woltemade €65m (£55.3m) and teenager Lennart Karl €60m (£51m) all rank among the most expensive players in the group despite having relatively limited international experience. 

At the other end of the scale, the modest valuations of Oliver Baumann, Pascal Gross and Manuel Neuer tell a different story, though their market values are heavily influenced by age rather than ability, with Neuer's €4m (£3.4m) valuation particularly notable given his legendary status and 124 Germany caps. 

*Figures from Transfermarkt