Germany predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Musiala & Neuer
Die Mannschaft are the most successful European nation in FIFA World Cup history.
The most successful European team in FIFA World Cup history are coming off two back-to-back humiliating group-stage exits. The youngest manager to lead Germany in a FIFA World Cup would be keen to turn things around in his maiden World Cup campaign as Germany’s coach.
In the 2018 World Cup, Germany, led by Joachim Low, were the defending champions. After defeats to Mexico and South Korea, they finished at the bottom of their group
In the last edition, 2022, Germany were led by current FC Barcelona gaffer Hansi Flick. They dropped points against Spain and Japan and got eliminated in the group stages. Both of their heartbreaks came against Asian teams, but luckily, there are no Asian teams in their group this time around.
They are drawn in a relatively easier group alongside Ecuador, debutants Curacao and the Ivory Coast. However, they would be wary of the threats posed by African teams. Ivory Coast and Ecuador are the other best-ranked teams in the group.
In this article, we take a look at how Julian Nagelsmann’s men could line up in the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are favourites to top Group E.
Germany Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
GK: Manuel Neuer (FC Bayern Munich)
The lone remaining survivor of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad, Neuer, came out of retirement to help Germany repeat the heroics of 2014 and end their trophy drought. He won the Golden Glove in the 2014 campaign. Neuer will be making his fifth World Cup appearance.
In terms of age, he is two years older than Germany’s gaffer Nagelsmann. The player has defied age to help Bayern win another Bundesliga title with Vincent Kompany and also took them to UCL semi-finals.
RB: Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern Munich)
Captain Kimmich featured in almost every game for Germany in the last two campaigns and is coming after an excellent season with the Bavarians. He gave 13 assists in 54 matches across all competitions. Kimmich was one of the best full-backs this season (2025-26) in the Bundesliga.
The veteran dictates the squad’s work ethic and acts as the bridge between Nagelsmann and the pitch. He has been in phenomenal form for Bayern. He will be keen to replicate the same for the German national team.
CB: Jonathan Tah (FC Bayern Munich)
Tah was part of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen squad that went on to clinch their first Bundesliga title in 45 years. He made a high-profile switch to rivals Bayern Munich and seamlessly transitioned into Kompany’s defensive setups. The player marshalled one of the tightest defences in the Bundesliga this season.
After having missed the last two editions, Tah is one of the undisputed starters for Germany. He will be looking forward to making his World Cup debut memorable.
Also read: Portugal predicted lineup for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Ronaldo & Bruno
CB: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid CF)
Rudiger started every game for Germany in the last edition (2022). Given his recent form with Real Madrid, critics may argue that Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund must be preferred. But Rudiger brings a necessary defensive aggression that historically polite German centre-backs have lacked.
His form has been quite inconsistent for Real Madrid, where he has made just 18 appearances for the Los Blancos. But Nageslann would be hoping that Rudiger leaves no stone unturned to redeem himself in the upcoming World Cup.
LB: David Raum (RB Leipzig)
Raum also started every single game for Germany in the last campaign. He is coming after propelling RB Leipzig to the UEFA Champions League. The Leipzig captain has 12 goal contributions and has been in sublime form this season.
In Germany’s last group stage game, he gave an assist to Serge Gnabry in Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica. His overlapping runs from the left flank can create a lot of chances for the players upfront.
DM: Aleksandar Pavlović (FC Bayern Munich)
The 22-year-old German midfielder is viewed as the true successor to Toni Kroos’ midfield throne. He boasts an exceptional passing accuracy of over 90 per cent in the Bundesliga. The player has featured in 49 games for Bayern across all competitions.
He played a crucial role in Germany’s World Cup 2026 qualifying cycle. This will be Pavlovic’s debut in the World Cup. Given his current form, he would be a key presence in the midfield.
DM: Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart)
Benching Goretzka to make way for Stiller would not be an easy choice for Nagelsmann, who is known for preferring form over reputation. He is coming after an excellent season, guiding VfB Stuttgart to the UCL despite an early exit in the UEFA Europa League.
His partnership with Pavlovic in the midfield will be really interesting. Being a natural left-footed midfielder, Stiller provides an elite passing angle, especially during pressure, that perfectly balances the right-footed Pavlovic.
RM: Lennart Karl (FC Bayern Munich)
For years, Germany’s right flank had been synonymous with Leroy Sane. But there is a high chance that the 18-year-old wonderkid will be donning the right flank for Nagelsmann’s team. Karl is the youngest player in the entire German squad.
He brings completely fearless teenage unpredictability to the world stage. The player is coming after giving 16 goal contributions in 40 games for Bayern this season.
CAM: Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern Munich)
Musiala was a teenage sensation for Germany in the last edition and went on to start every game under Hansi Flick. He was Germany’s standout individual performer at the 2022 World Cup despite an early group stage exit.
The sixth player from Bayern in the Germany squad, Musiala, clocked double-digit goal contributions despite a mid-season injury scare. Nagelsmann will be hoping he stays fully fit as he will be Germany’s key player.
LM: Florian Wirtz (Liverpool FC)
The fastest goalscorer in the history of the German national team, Wirtz orchestrated a phenomenal season in England and Europe for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. He made 15 goal contributions in 48 games. After missing the last edition due to an ACL tear, this will be his World Cup debut.
Wirtz arrives at the World Cup with a genuine world-class pedigree. He is the creative architect of the team. He will be tasked with the responsibility to create chances from the left flank.
ST: Kai Havertz (Arsenal FC)
He came off the bench against Costa Rica to score a brace for Germany in the last edition. This time around, he will face tough competition from Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, who has scored double the goals as Havertz in the 2025-26 season.
He narrowly missed out on lifting his second UCL title with another London outfit. He can drag central defenders out of position to open running channels for Wirtz, Musiala, and Karl to exploit.
Who is Germany’s coach in the FIFA WC 26?
Julian Nagelsmann.
Which teams are in Germany’s group?
Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao.
Is Kai Havertz in the Germany team?
Yes, Havertz is expected to start.
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.