Julian Nagelsmann might soon be visiting a tattoo parlour if Germany clinch the FIFA World Cup title. Left-back David Raum has disclosed that the national team coach could have landed himself in a tricky situation after joking about getting matching tattoos should Die Mannschaft triumph on the world stage.

Germany’s World Cup goal comes with a tattoo twist

The camaraderie between Nagelsmann and his Germany squad continues to strengthen as preparations build toward the 2026 World Cup. During the recent squad announcement, the Germany manager humorously proposed the idea of sharing a tattoo with Raum if the team lifts the trophy in North America. Nagelsmann quipped that the thought of getting inked alongside the heavily tattooed defender was more intimidating than the pressure of a World Cup final itself.

As quoted by Bild, Nagelsmann joked: “What scares me most is our matching tattoo if we win the World Cup. Not because I’m afraid of getting it done, but because I think we won’t find enough space on your tattoo machine.”

Raum insists Nagelsmann must keep his word

Raum was quick to react to his coach’s comments, assuring that there would always be space for another tattoo if Germany win the title. The RB Leipzig captain added that Nagelsmann might now find it tough to wriggle out of the bet.

The defender said: “No, no. You can always find a free spot. I still have a few left. We haven’t even discussed it yet, not even the design. But with that statement, Julian kind of shot himself in the foot, because I think he can’t avoid it now if we actually go through with it. For me, it’s really great if we do it. He can choose the design himself, as far as I’m concerned, but I definitely want to be there when he gets it.”

Raum highlights Germany’s determination

Although the tattoo wager adds a humorous edge to their preparations, Raum remains fully committed to Germany’s lofty ambitions on the world stage. He insists that the team must aim for nothing short of the championship, echoing Nagelsmann’s sentiments after their early exit from the home European Championship two years ago.

He explained: “When I go into a competition, I want the big picture. And I think Julian put it well after the elimination at the home European Championship: Then we simply have to become world champions. If you enter a tournament like this and say you only want to reach the semi-finals, that’s the wrong attitude. We want to go as far as possible, and that means the final and winning the title.”

Raum added: “What’s also important to me personally, of course, is that the people in our country are proud of us — of how we play, how we stand together. That’s what should define us as the German national team. If our performances match our unity and we pull it off, then everyone will be proud and happy.”

What’s next for Germany?

Germany will soon focus on their Group E fixtures, where they are set to face Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador. Before those matches, they will play two international friendlies — against Finland on May 31 and the United States Men’s National Team on June 6 — as part of their final preparations for the 2026 World Cup campaign.