Manuel Neuer has been dealing with a calf injury, preventing him from finishing the Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann decided to leave him off the bench entirely for this friendly match.

As for Antonio Rudiger, the Real Madrid defender will start on the bench. The decision appears purely tactical, as Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah currently show better form at the center-back position.

Manuel Neuer’s absence raises alarms for Germany

Prior to the final roster announcement, doubts lingered over whether Nagelsmann would select Neuer due to his injury and a rumored strained relationship.

While Neuer made the final cut, his absence against the USMNT raises alarms for Die Mannschaft. They expected him to start over Oliver Baumann in the World Cup, but this setback could cost him the starting job.

The roster also includes Jonas Urbig, who replaced Neuer at Bayern Munich during the veteran’s absence this season. While Baumann is slated to start the tournament due to Neuer’s injury, Urbig provides a highly reliable option in an emergency.

Germany’s starting lineup vs USA is talent-stacked

Julian Nagelsmann deployed top weapons for Germany’s final pre-World Cup test. The coach fielded the potential eleven that will start their tournament opener against Curacao on June 14.

Germany’s starting lineup to face the USMNT: Oliver Baumann; Nathaniel Brown, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha; Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, and Kai Havertz.

The opening goal came early through a Kai Havertz header, just two minutes into the match. As the first half was coming to an end, a stunning strike from Antonee Robinson leveled the score.

Midway through the second half, Leroy Sane showed his quality with a precise shot from outside the box, making it 2–1—the final score with which Germany ultimately secured the win.

How to watch USMNT vs Germany in the USA

Fans in the United States can watch this marquee matchup live on TBS, Telemundo, and Universo through traditional television coverage.

Streaming options include DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Sling Orange, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, and Max. With plenty of excitement expected, this is a game soccer fans won’t want to miss.

Can I watch USMNT vs Germany for free?

Fans in the United States can catch this highly anticipated showdown live on DirecTV Stream, which offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers.

The service includes the channel airing the game nationwide, allowing viewers to follow every key play, major highlight, and decisive moment in real time.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

With the World Cup just around the corner, the United States gets one final chance to test itself against top-level opposition. Led by Christian Pulisic, the Americans will meet Germany in a marquee friendly as they look to build momentum before their tournament opener.

Germany, a four-time world champion, is aiming to bounce back after group-stage exits in each of the last two World Cups. With both teams eager to make a statement, this matchup promises plenty of excitement. Don’t miss what should be one of the most compelling World Cup tune-ups on the schedule.

USMNT vs Germany: Predicted Lineups

USMNT (3-4-3): Turner; Freeman, Ream, McKenzie; Dest, McKennie, Adams, Robinson; Reyna, Pepi, Pulisic.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schotterbeck, Brown; Goretzka, Pavlovic; Karl, Wirtz, Leweling; Woltemade.

What time is the USMNT vs Germany match?

The match kicks off today, June 6, at 2:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 2:30 PM
Central Time: 1:30 PM
Mountain Time: 12:30 PM
Pacific Time: 11:30 AM

How to watch Finland vs Germany in the USA

Viewers eager to follow this highly anticipated matchup will have several ways to tune in live. Traditional television coverage of the game will be available on FS2, bringing the action directly to fans across the country.

Those planning to stream the contest online can watch through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV and ViX, giving supporters plenty of options to enjoy the showdown on a wide range of compatible devices.

Can I watch Finland vs Germany for free?

Viewers throughout the United States will be able to stream this much-anticipated matchup live on both Fubo and DirecTV Stream, with each platform carrying the national network broadcasting the game.

Fans looking to watch without paying right away can also use the 5-day free trials offered by Fubo and DirecTV Stream, giving audiences across the USA the chance to enjoy the match live at no cost.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Germany’s road toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with another important tune-up as the four-time world champions look to reestablish themselves among soccer’s elite after back-to-back group-stage exits on the sport’s biggest stage.

Powered by a talented new generation, the Germans are focused on building momentum and sharpening their title credentials, while Finland enters the matchup seeking valuable experience against one of Europe’s traditional powers.

Although the Finns have yet to secure a World Cup berth, their recent progress has raised expectations, making this a meaningful test as both nations continue preparing for the challenges ahead.

Finland vs Germany: Predicted Lineups

Finland (3-5-2): Hradecky; Alho, Koski, Miettinen; Skytta, Suhonen, Markhiyev, Walta, Lahteenmaki; Pohjanpalo, Antman.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum; Goretzka, Stiller; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Woltemade.

What time is the Finland vs Germany match?

The match kicks off today, May 31, at 2:45 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 2:45 PM
Central Time: 1:45 PM
Mountain Time: 12:45 PM
Pacific Time: 11:45 AM

With several national teams turning to modern tactical minds and former stars still early in their coaching careers, the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is set to feature one of the youngest managerial groups in history.

Among the names drawing attention are Lionel Scaloni with Argentina, as he chases his second World Cup title with Lionel Messi and company.

Who is the youngest coach at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann is the youngest manager at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The German tactician enters the tournament at just 38 years old, making him the youngest coach among all 48 national teams.

He has already built one of the most impressive résumés among younger managers in world soccer. Before taking over Germany, he coached Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, becoming known for his tactical flexibility.

Germany turned to Nagelsmann following inconsistent results after the 2022 World Cup, hoping a younger coach could help rebuild the national team around a new generation of stars such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

His appointment reflected a growing global trend of federations trusting younger managers in major international tournaments. Despite his age, he has Champions League semifinal experience and multiple Bundesliga titles on his résumé.

Which national teams have the youngest managers in the tournament?

Germany, Argentina, Ecuador, Morocco and England are among the national teams with the youngest managers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Several federations have embraced younger coaches ahead of the tournament.

Some of the youngest notable managers expected at the tournament are:

• Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) — 38 years old | The youngest coach in the tournament and one of Europe’s brightest tactical minds.
• Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) — 48 years old | The defending World Cup-winning manager remains relatively young compared to many veteran international coaches.
• Sebastian Beccacece (Ecuador) — 45 years old | The former assistant of Jorge Sampaoli in Argentina has made a name for himself in South America, aiming to make a deep run with Ecuador this year.

Even though many of these coaches already possess major experience, they are still relatively young compared to veteran figures such as Dick Advocaat, Marcelo Bielsa, Javier Aguirre and Carlo Ancelotti.

How old is Lionel Scaloni ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

Lionel Scaloni will be 48 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Argentina manager was born on May 16, 1978, and remains one of the youngest head coaches among the tournament favorites.

He has already established himself as one of the most successful international managers of his generation despite entering coaching with limited experience. After initially taking over Argentina on an interim basis in 2018, he quickly transformed the national team and built a new era around Lionel Messi.

Under Scaloni, Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America. His calm leadership and tactical adaptability earned widespread praise throughout international soccer.

Before becoming Argentina’s coach, he played professionally for clubs such as Deportivo La Coruña, Lazio, West Ham United and Mallorca. He also represented Argentina at the 2006 FIFA World Cup as a player.

Which young coaches have already won major trophies?

Lionel Scaloni has already achieved major international success at a young age for a manager. His accomplishment helped change perceptions about younger coaches, especially since his success came despite entering the Argentina job with almost no senior head-coaching experience.

Julian Nagelsmann, while still searching for his first major international trophy, already owns several Bundesliga titles from his time at Bayern Munich and enters 2026 as one of the most respected tactical coaches in Europe.

Meanwhile, coaches such as Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino arrive at the World Cup with major club-level success, including UCL finals and league titles, even though international trophies remain elusive for them so far.

In a bold selection process that saw high-profile stars like Niclas Fullkrug and Karim Adeyemi left off the flight to North America, Germany will lean on a wave of fresh talent. Here are the new faces set to make their World Cup debuts for Die Mannschaft:

Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel, Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw, Pascal Gross, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, Lennart Karl, Florian Wirtz, Maximilian Beier, Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav, and Nick Woltemade.

Nagelsmann pulled no punches with his roster snubs, also leaving established veterans Julian Brandt and Marc-Andre ter Stegen out of the mix in a ruthless bid to reshape the national team’s identity. For comparison, here are the players from the Qatar 2022 roster who will not be participating in this summer’s tournament:

Kevin Trapp, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Matthias Ginter, Christian Gunter, Thilo Kehrer, Lukas Klostermann, Niklas Sule, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, Serge Gnabry, Mario Gotze, Ilkay Gundogan, Jonas Hofmann, Thomas Muller, Niclas Fullkrug, and Youssoufa Moukoko.

The return of Manuel Neuer

After initially stepping away from international duty, the iconic shot-stopper has dramatically reversed his international retirement for one final ride. At 40 years old, this tournament will serve as the ultimate swan song for Neuer before he officially hangs up his gloves.

Boasting 124 international caps, Neuer stands as one of the most decorated and seasoned players in German football history. Nagelsmann has already shut down any positional battles, confirming that the 2014 World Cup winner will serve as his undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper in North America.

Projected starting XI for Germany

With Neuer anchoring the backline and a squad brimming with players in peak club form, Germany boast a formidable tactical blueprint. Here is a look at how Die Mannschaft is projected to line up for the group stage:

Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum; Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka; Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz.

The 22-year-old player was born in France and had been part of the French youth setup, including the U21 team. However, he never debuted with the senior team. Ange-Yoan Bonny, currently an Inter Milan forward, has Ivorian ancestry and therefore was able to process his nationality switch with FIFA.

The decision date for Ange-Yoan Bonny’s nationality switch was Friday, May 8, 2026. Therefore, the player will be eligible for a call-up by Ivory Coast and to represent them at the World Cup. Les Elephants are in Group E at the World Cup, alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Curacao.

Bonny’s season

During the 2025-2026 season, the player has appeared in a total of 45 matches wearing the Nerazzurri jersey across Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia, and the Italian Super Cup, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.

The forward has also played for French clubs L. B. Chateauroux II, in the fifth division, and L. B. Chateauroux, in the second division. He also played for Parma and Inter Milan in Italy.

Huge decision from the youngster

This move could be key for his career and for securing regular call-ups and participation with Ivory Coast, since in France, he had extremely difficult competition to earn a spot as a forward.

France undoubtedly have the best attack at the team level. Bonny would have had to compete against Mbappe, Dembele, Barcola, Olise, Cherki, Kolo Muani, and Marcus Thuram, just to mention the main names. It is truly overwhelming and extremely difficult to leave one of them out of the squad.

Following a dominant start, it initially appeared to be a straightforward match for Germany, yet they failed to convert numerous first-half opportunities into goals. However, Kai Havertz finally broke the deadlock from the penalty spot just before the halftime whistle to give his side the lead.

Germany continued their dominance in the second half, but Ghana found a surprise equalizer through Issahaku Fatawu, putting significant pressure on the hosts. After relentless attacking, Deniz Undav finally struck in the 88th minute to seal the win, extending Germany’s impressive streak to eight consecutive victories.

[Watch Germany vs Ghana online in the US on Fubo]

A marquee international friendly is set as Germany meets Ghana in a key World Cup tune-up. Germany, coming off appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup, is chasing a return to its dominant standard.

Facing a hungry German squad will be Ghana, who aims to build momentum and recapture the spirit of its memorable run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup as it prepares to challenge a top European powerhouse.

When will the Germany vs Ghana match be played?

Germany take on Ghana in a 2026 friendly game this Monday, March 30, with the match kicking off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Germany vs Ghana: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:45 PM
CT: 1:45 PM
MT: 12:45 PM
PT: 11:45 AM

How to watch Germany vs Ghana in the USA

This Friendly clash between Germany and Ghana will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, FS1 and ViX.

[Watch Switzerland vs Germany online in the US on Fubo]

All eyes will be on a compelling European showdown as Switzerland and Germany gear up for the World Cup with very different expectations. Switzerland continues to build a reputation as a disciplined, dangerous side capable of springing surprises against top competition.

Meanwhile, Germany enters with far more to prove after underwhelming performances in recent major tournaments. Despite boasting one of the deepest and most talented squads, Germany’s inconsistency has raised questions, making this matchup a key opportunity to regain confidence and momentum ahead of the global stage.

When will the Switzerland vs Germany match be played?

Switzerland play against Germany in a 2026 friendly game this Friday, March 27, with the match kicking off at 3:45 PM (ET).

Switzerland vs Germany: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:45 PM
CT: 2:45 PM
MT: 1:45 PM
PT: 12:45 PM

How to watch Switzerland vs Germany in the USA

This Friendly clash between Switzerland and Germany will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video and ViX.

Germany needed a tie or a win to qualify directly to the 2026 World Cup. Slovakia needed to win. Now that the game ended 6-0 in favor of Germany, the dust settled and we know who will go to the tournament.

As for Slovakia, the World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs await. The draw will happen on November 20th, where the 16 teams qualified will know their opponents. Out of the 16 teams, 12 are the group runner-ups, and the other four are the best-ranked group winners of the 24/25 UEFA Nations League.

It was the perfect game for Germany

Germany were not hesitant at all. Since the game started, the Bavarians were in full control and really aggresive. The first half ended 4-0 in favor of them. The game was just perfect for Die Mannschaft.

The second half was more of the same, as the home side added more goals to the end result. Not only that, the team was defensively sound as it barely suffered. Germany had full selfish intentions as they racked up 70% of the ball possession, Slovakia had little to no chance to even touch the ball.

Germany’s final numbers in the World Cup Qualifiers

Germany ended with the lead in the Group A thanks to five wins and one loss. This also serves as a revenge as it was Slovakia the one who beat Germany back in Matchday 5.

They scored 16 and received just three goals during their six games. In the end, while not pretty, it was enough to guarantee the direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Germany are a four-time winner of the tournament, so they will be one of the favorites to win it all.