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.

Having clinched four victories while dropping one match to Slovakia, Germany need to maintain an unwavering focus in their encounter with the Slovaks. Their aim is to elate the fans filling the seats at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, making a strong showing today all the more crucial.

In their previous matchup, Germany overcame Luxembourg by a two-goal margin, a team situated in Group A alongside Northern Ireland and, of course, Slovakia. With Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade anticipated to feature in the starting lineup, the Germans are determined to secure a victory that would bolster their dreams of participating in the 2026 World Cup.

For Slovakia, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team boasts an impressive record of four wins and only one defeat. In a notable upset, it bested Germany 2-0 on home turf, and it aims to replicate this performance on German soil.

What happens if Germany beat Slovakia today?

If Germany triumph over Slovakia in the World Cup Qualifiers game, they will secure a direct berth to the 2026 World Cup. Regardless of the goal margin, earning three points will see the Germans join the roster of teams already qualified for next year’s competition.

This victory would mark their 21st World Cup qualification, reinforcing their status as the second-highest participant in World Cup history, just behind Brazil, which has appeared in every tournament since its inception.

What happens if Germany and Slovakia tie?

A draw against Slovakia would also secure Germany a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup. Even though they are currently tied on points (12), Germany’s goal differential (+7) compared to that of Slovakia (+4) provides additional assurance.

What happens if Germany lose to Slovakia today?

If Germany lose against Slovakia today, they will finish second in Group A and therefore be forced to go through the European playoffs. Being level on points with Slovakia in the standings, a loss would make Germany enter another battle for the final 2026 World Cup spots.

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

It’s shaping up to be one of the marquee clashes of the UEFA Qualifiers, as the two top contenders in Group A square off with the inside track to first place on the line. Germany enters the night level with Slovakia at 15 points but holds the edge on goal difference, giving the hosts a slight cushion if things finish level.

Slovakia, though, has already shown it can rattle the group leaders after beating them on Matchday 1, and the visitors arrive hungry for a statement result that could power a dramatic push into the top spot.

When will the Germany vs Slovakia match be played?

Germany play against Slovakia this Monday, November 17, for Matchday 6 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Germany vs Slovakia: 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 Slovakia in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Germany and Slovakia will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

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

A pivotal Group A showdown looms in the UEFA Qualifiers as Germany look to strengthen their grip on first place following their win over Northern Ireland. They sit level on points with Slovakia but hold the edge on goal difference, leaving the race for qualification wide open.

Luxembourg await next, already eliminated from contention, giving Germany a golden chance to widen their advantage—and a convincing victory could prove vital in keeping control of the group heading into the final stretch.

When will the Luxembourg vs Germany match be played?

Luxembourg play against Germany this Friday, November 14, for Matchday 5 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Luxembourg vs Germany: 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 Luxembourg vs Germany in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Luxembourg and Germany will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

Luxembourg, meanwhile, stand at the bottom of Group A, but that position does little to soften the challenge for the visitors. Germany’s narrow lead in the standings means that any slip, no matter the opponent, could reshape the trajectory of their qualifying campaign.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann addressed the situation with clarity before the match, underlining the significance of closing out the window strongly. His message has centered on consistency, professionalism, and avoiding distractions.

What happens if Germany win vs Luxembourg?

If Germany secure a victory, they strengthen their position at the top of Group A and place themselves in a commanding situation heading into the final matchday.

What happens if Germany and Luxembourg tie?

A draw places Germany in a more delicate position. While it preserves their standing, it opens the door for Slovakia to apply pressure in the final round of fixtures. Under this scenario, goal difference and other results in the group could become critical, potentially complicating Germany’s path to direct qualification.

What happens if Germany lose to Luxembourg today?

A loss introduces the most uncertainty. Defeat would tighten the group standings and create genuine risk of Germany falling into the playoff route. Such an outcome would place additional strain on a squad already navigating a demanding cycle and leave their automatic qualification hopes dependent on results beyond their control.

[Watch Northern Ireland vs Germany online in the US on Fubo]

After a rough start that included a surprising 2-0 loss to Slovakia, Germany has regained its footing with back-to-back home wins over Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Now chasing the top spot in the group, the Germans hit the road for a tricky matchup against a determined opponent.

Though they enter as heavy favorites, Northern Ireland’s recent home victory over Slovakia has reignited their qualification hopes, making them a threat that Germany can’t afford to overlook.

When will the Northern Ireland vs Germany match be played?

Northern Ireland will take on Germany this Monday, October 13, for Matchday 4 of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. The match is set to kick off at 2:45 PM (ET).

Northern Ireland vs Germany: 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 Northern Ireland vs Germany in the USA

The UEFA World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Northern Ireland and Germany will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.