Two Bayern youngsters included into the German team

Julian Nagelsmann has selected 26 players for two key friendly matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Aside from the already announced call-up of Bayern’s 18-year-old wonderkid Lenart Karl, there are no major surprises. As expected—and in agreement with Vincent Kompany—an unfit Jamal Musiala has not been included. Meanwhile, besides Karl, another potential debutant is young Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.

There are six returning players in Nagelsmann’s squad, led by Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, who—based on current form—could be the focal point of Germany’s attack. Alongside him, Kai Havertz returns for the first time since November 2024, as well as Antonio Rudiger (despite public pressure to leave him out), Anton Stach, Pascal Gross, and Josha Vagnoman.

There was also a question mark over whether Said El Mala would get his first senior call-up after a breakout season with 1. FC Koln, but Nagelsmann ultimately left him with the U21 team under Antonio Di Salvo. Some notable names who could have been included are Maximilian Mittelstadt and Angelo Stiller (both Stuttgart), Maximilian Beier and Karim Adeyemi (Dortmund), and possibly Niclas Fullkrug. Also missing compared to the November squad are Ridle Baku, Jonathan Burkardt, and goalkeepers Noah Atubolu and Finn Dahmen.

Goalkeepers:

Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel, Jonas Urbig

Defenders:

Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Nathaniel Brown, Malick Thiaw, Antonio Rudiger, Josha Vagnoman

Midfielders:

Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Aleksandar Pavlović, Lenart Karl, Felix Nmecha, Jamie Leweling, Florian Wirtz, Pascal Groß, Leroy Sané, Anton Stach

Forwards:

Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade, Kevin Schade, Kai Havertz