The waiting is over and the decisions have been made. Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has officially submitted the final, locked-in 26-man roster to FIFA ahead of the tournament opener. Competing out of Group E, this collection of players carries the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.
With the squad finalized and training camp underway, we have broken down the official roster, analyzed how the positional depth charts shake out, and mapped out the predicted opening-match starting lineup based on the manager’s tactical preferences.
2026 Germany World Cup Roster

The 2026 Germany World Cup Roster was confirmed on May 21, 2026, when Julian Nagelsmann named his final 26. You can review the full squad list on the official Germany 26-man squad announcement. Always check the latest injury news before playing fantasy or other related games for the World Cup.
Don't Just Track the Bracket. Play for On-Chain USDC Rewards.
Take your 2026 World Cup predictions to the next level. Join 100+ managers already registered in the $BRACKETS League App-the premier high-performance fantasy sports playground.
⚡ Sign up in under 30 seconds via Email, Socials, or your favorite crypto wallet.
| Position | Player Name | Active Club Team | Official Roster Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Manuel Neuer | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter (#1) |
| GK | Oliver Baumann | TSG Hoffenheim (Bundesliga) | Primary Backup |
| GK | Alexander Nübel | VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga) | Tournament Depth / Third Keeper |
| DEF | Antonio Rüdiger | Real Madrid (LaLiga) | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Jonathan Tah | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Nico Schlotterbeck | Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Waldemar Anton | Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Malick Thiaw | Newcastle United (Premier League) | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | David Raum | RB Leipzig (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Nathaniel Brown | Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| MID | Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| MID | Leon Goretzka | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Aleksandar Pavlović | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| MID | Angelo Stiller | VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Pascal Groß | Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Felix Nmecha | Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Nadiem Amiri | Mainz (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Lennart Karl | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Jamal Musiala | Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) | Projected Starter |
| MID | Florian Wirtz | Liverpool (Premier League) | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Kai Havertz | Arsenal (Premier League) | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Deniz Undav | VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Nick Woltemade | Newcastle United (Premier League) | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Leroy Sané | Galatasaray (Super Lig) | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Jamie Leweling | VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Maximilian Beier | Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga) | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
Germany Roster Position Breakdown & Tactical Roles
Goalkeepers
- The Established #1: Manuel Neuer occupies the starting role and will lead the defense from the back line throughout the group stage.
- The Bench Depth: Oliver Baumann acts as the immediate primary backup option, while Alexander Nübel provides cover as the third keeper.
Defenders
- The Defensive Foundation: The back line is anchored by David Raum, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, and Waldemar Anton, who are expected to command the heavy minutes.
- Tactical Cover: Antonio Rüdiger, Malick Thiaw, and Nathaniel Brown secured their places in the final 26 to provide structural depth across the flanks and central defense.
Midfielders
- The Engine Room: Control of the pitch belongs to Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Florian Wirtz, who will shape the possession and set the tempo.
- Sub Impact: Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller, Pascal Groß, Felix Nmecha, Nadiem Amiri, Lennart Karl, and Jamal Musiala provide tactical options off the bench to alter shapes or protect late-game results.
Forwards / Attackers
- The Focal Point: The attack is led by Leroy Sané, Nick Woltemade, and Jamal Musiala.
- The Attacking Variants: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, and Maximilian Beier offer high-impact options with distinct aerial and pace-based switches.
Predicted Germany Starting XI: Group Stage Opener
With the 26-man roster finalized, tactical patterns indicate that Germany will lean on a primary 4-2-3-1 setup to attack their initial group stage matches. The lineup below is our projection based on current form and Julian Nagelsmann’s selections; it is a prediction, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Lineup Layout
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defenders (Left to Right): David Raum, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton
- Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, Florian Wirtz
- Forwards / Wingers: Leroy Sané, Nick Woltemade, Jamal Musiala
Note: Germany travel without a single settled centre-forward, so the No. 9 role is the lineup’s main open question, with Nick Woltemade, Kai Havertz, and Deniz Undav all in contention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Germany World Cup Roster
Is this the final Germany World Cup roster?
Yes. This is the official, finalized 26-man squad as submitted to and approved by FIFA for the tournament, announced by Julian Nagelsmann on May 21, 2026.
Where can I track the full tournament brackets?
To see how Germany matches up against the rest of the field, check out our master, printable 2026 World Cup Bracket with Groups Filled In page, which includes all 12 group configurations.
Who does Germany play in the group stage?
Germany will play in Group E alongside Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador. You can view the full Germany match schedule, with dates, venues, and kickoff times, on our 2026 Germany World Cup schedule page.
Don’t just track the groups – get the exact printer-friendly resources you need for your office pool, garage wall, or watch party.