Predicted Germany XI at the 2026 World Cup

There aren’t many national teams in the world as successful – or as feared – as Germany. Having won four World Cups and three European Championships, very few national sides can hold a candle to Die Mannschaft.

However, the Germans are on a bit of a barren spell as of late. They haven’t won an international tournament since 2014 – can they reverse their fortunes at the 2026 World Cup?

Today, we’ve put forth a predicted Germany XI at the tournament. We’ve included players from clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United – can you guess who they are?

GK: Oliver Baumann

Oliver Baumann isn’t getting any younger at the age of 35, but he is having the season of his life at Hoffenheim – his performances have helped lead them to 3rd in the Bundesliga table.

Following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer, Baumann has some almighty shoes to fill – let’s see if he can step up to the plate at the World Cup.

RB: Ridle Baku

Ridle Baku is the perfect player to slot into Julian Nagelsmann’s system. He’s fast, aggressive and can play in multiple positions – however, he is best utilised at right-back.

He has registered three assists from right-back for RB Leipzig this season – he also has eight caps to his name, so he is no stranger to the international stage.

CB: Nico Schlotterbeck

Germany have a couple of problem positions at the moment, but centre-back certainly isn’t one of them. Nico Schlotterbeck might be the best of the bunch – as a modern defender, he can do practically everything.

He has had a couple of injury issues this season, but his place in the Germany team looks solid as of right now.

CB: Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah beats out some stern competition to accompany Schlotterbeck at centre-back – Nagelsmann seems to prefer him over his contemporaries.

However, he isn’t in the team solely based on the manager’s preferences – Tah is a phenomenal aerial presence and is also very quick for a centre-half.

LB: David Raum

David Raum’s performances in 2025/26 make him the most viable pick for the left-back role. Given his experience on the international stage, it’s unlikely that Nagelsmann will turn to anyone else.

He has played in almost every Bundesliga game for RB Leipzig this season – with three goals and five assists, he is head and shoulders above the competition.

CM: Leon Goretzka

The old war horse Leon Goretzka will be a vital member of the Germany squad at the World Cup. As one of their most experienced players, he’ll be expected to show some midfield generalship.

This hasn’t been Goretzka’s most prolific season – he’s actually out of contract at the end of the season – but with 67 caps to his name, it’s hard to pick against him.

CM: Joshua Kimmich

Due to injuriy issues in the middle of the park, Nagelsmann is likely to field Joshua Kimmich in central midfield. Despite arguably being a natural full-back, his superlative technical ability allows him to be an effective presence from the heart of midfield.

Like Goretzka, Kimmich isn’t getting any younger, but international experience is crucial at major tournaments like the World Cup.

RW: Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz had a largely disastrous start to life at Liverpool – nevertheless, the 22-year-old pulled his socks up and is now beginning to find his feet in the Premier League.

With fantastic dribbling ability and composure on the ball, Wirtz can be called upon to unlock a tight defence at the drop of a hat.

AM: Jamal Musiala

Jamal Musiala spent much of the the 2025/26 season on the sidelines with a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, but he’s now back in action – as such, he is almost certainly going to be a part of Nagelsmann’s plans.

A positive player who loves to carry the ball forward into dangerous areas, Musiala is an invaluable member of the squad – even if he isn’t 100% fit.

LW: Serge Gnabry

How time flies. It only seems like a few moments ago that Serge Gnabry was a rising star – now, he’s part of Germany’s old guard.

With seven goals and nine assists across all competitions this season, the former Arsenal man is still going strong – however, at the age of 30, this may be his last World Cup.

ST: Nick Woltemade

Over the last few months, there has been a debate over what Nick Woltemade’s natural position actually is. Some think he should be playing as a number ten, rather than as an out-and-out striker – however, Germany do not have a better centre-forward than him within their ranks at the moment.

Woltemade’s movement leaves much to be desired, as does his aerial ability (despite being 6ft 6). However, he makes up for it with his surprisingly adept technical ability – as the old saying goes, he’s got good feet for a big man.