Germany is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and here’s an in-depth look at their squad and full tournament schedule.

This is not the classic lineup from Julian Nagelsmann’s earlier days — it feels more like a transitional squad. It no longer features global icons like Toni Kroos or Mesut Özil, but instead includes rising stars such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, alongside experienced veterans like Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer.

Germany’s World Cup squad was announced in mid-May, and the inclusion of Manuel Neuer immediately sparked debate. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper had retired from international football after Euro 2024, after which Oliver Baumann took over the No. 1 shirt.

However, Neuer extended his contract with the Bavarian giants for one more season and has now returned to the international stage. Reports suggest he may reclaim the starting goalkeeper position from Baumann.

German football analyst Tom Weber from FootballTransfers commented: “Neuer’s decision to return, in itself, should not necessarily cause outrage. Having a world-class goalkeeper available should be welcomed. However, it’s the context surrounding this decision that has generated frustration.”

He continued, “First, the 40-year-old retired from the national team after Euro 2024. He wasn’t part of Germany’s qualification campaign, meaning he contributed nothing to their World Cup participation.”

“There’s also the injury argument. Neuer has struggled to stay fit for extended periods, and he was substituted in Bayern’s final Bundesliga match last weekend due to a minor calf issue.”

“Can his body handle the demands and conditions of the World Cup? If not, are you really comfortable changing your goalkeeper — one of the most crucial positions — mid-tournament?”

According to Weber, both concerns are valid, but the main controversy lies in how Nagelsmann has handled the situation. With Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined for much of the past 18 months, Nagelsmann had made it clear that Oliver Baumann was Germany’s first-choice keeper. The long-serving Hoffenheim man played a key role in securing qualification, yet just weeks before the tournament, he finds himself replaced.

Several notable names are missing from Nagelsmann’s final squad, including Serge Gnabry (injured), Said El Mala, and Karim Adeyemi. Instead, Nagelsmann opted to include Maximilian Beier over Dortmund’s Adeyemi and explained his reasoning: “I like players who can operate in multiple positions. Karim had a great first half of the season, but things didn’t go so well in the second half. He has always had a somewhat negative reputation, but his response this time was very professional. With Maxi, you can always imagine scenarios where he can come in as an impact substitute. He offers us a lot.”

If all players remain fit, Germany’s likely World Cup lineup looks like this:

(4-3-3): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz.

Nagelsmann faces a big decision over his starting goalkeeper, though he is expected to favour the experienced Neuer, which would deal a hard blow to Baumann. In defence, he must decide on his central and left-back combinations. Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah are the current preferred centre-back pair, but Antonio Rüdiger’s experience could see him recalled. On the left, the contest is between Nathaniel Brown and David Raum, with the Eintracht Frankfurt defender starting in the recent friendly win over Finland.

With Joshua Kimmich likely at right-back, Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic are expected to anchor midfield. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will operate as attacking midfielders, frequently rotating between central and wide positions. On the right, Leroy Sané impressed against Finland and could start ahead of younger options Lennart Karl and Jamie Leweling. Up front, Denis Undav has featured regularly of late, but Nagelsmann is tipped to start Kai Havertz, buoyed by his Champions League final goal and high profile.

As Germany aims for their fifth World Cup title, fans can also celebrate with LEGO’s special edition trophy set. Likewise, the official 2026 FIFA World Cup™ ball has been recreated by LEGO, featuring a design that opens up to reveal a miniature stadium scene celebrating the tournament winners.

Local Celebration in Central Kalimantan

The World Cup fever has already reached Sampit City in Kotawaringin Timur, Central Kalimantan. Football fans’ excitement is visible not only in conversations about their favourite teams but also in the rising demand for football gear and national team jerseys.

At one of Sampit’s oldest sports stores, Rudi Sport, located at the Pati Rumbih Bus Terminal complex on MT Haryono Street, the atmosphere ahead of the world’s biggest football festival is palpable. Store owner and local football coach Rudi Abidinsyah shared, “Every time the World Cup comes around, people’s passion for football surges, and sales of sports equipment increase noticeably.”

“Just like in previous World Cups, the enthusiasm in Kotawaringin Timur is very strong. Fans usually go for jerseys of teams like Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Brazil,” Rudi said on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).

Established in 1994, Rudi Sport sells a wide range of sports gear — from football boots and futsal shoes to jerseys, socks, balls, and sports bags. National team jerseys are priced between IDR 100,000 and IDR 150,000 per piece.

Rudi noted that the most sought-after jerseys are those of teams with rich World Cup histories. “The most popular ones are Argentina, Germany, and France. The teams that have won the World Cup always have a loyal fan base,” he added.

As both a football coach and founder of the Rudi Sport Football School (SSB), established in 2007 as one of Kotim’s pioneering academies, Rudi believes every World Cup brings a new story. “Each edition is unique — new players emerge and gain their own fan following. That’s what keeps World Cup excitement alive,” he explained.

Although his favourite team Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament, Rudi remains enthusiastic. “My favourite team is Italy, but since they didn’t make it, I’ll be supporting the Netherlands this year. I’m optimistic they can win it all,” he said confidently.

More than just a competition, Rudi hopes the World Cup will inspire positive development for Indonesian football. He believes the passion it generates should motivate everyone to work towards seeing the Indonesian national team compete on the world stage one day. “We hope this World Cup boosts football enthusiasm in Indonesia. My wish is for our national team to qualify for the World Cup in the coming years,” he emphasised.

Regarding football development in Kotawaringin Timur, Rudi expressed the need for greater support, especially in grassroots training and funding. “There are still challenges in managing football here. Government and KONI support are crucial to improve youth development,” he concluded.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 and run until July 19, featuring a record 48 participating nations and more matches than ever before. The games will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

2026 World Cup Schedule Highlights

Thursday, June 11
Group A: Mexico vs South Africa, kick-off 23:00 – Mexico City, Mexico

Friday, June 12
Group A: South Korea vs Czech Republic, kick-off 06:00 – Zapopan, Mexico
Group B: Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina, kick-off 23:00 – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, June 13
Group D: USA vs Paraguay, kick-off 05:00 – Los Angeles, USA
Group B: Qatar vs Switzerland, kick-off 23:00 – Santa Clara, USA

Sunday, June 14
Group C: Brazil vs Morocco, kick-off 02:00 – New Jersey, USA
Group C: Haiti vs Scotland, kick-off 05:00 – Foxborough, USA
Group D: Australia vs Turkey, kick-off 08:00 – Vancouver, Canada
Group E: Germany vs Curaçao, kick-off 21:00 – Houston, USA

... (Full schedule continues as in original, preserving all match details, times, and venues)