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Manuel Neuer’s stunning return headlines Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad, and Serge Gnabry misses out as Julian Nagelsmann balances experience and heartbreak
The announcement immediately sparked debate across the country as Die Mannschaft prepares for another attempt to restore its place among soccer’s elite after difficult recent World Cup campaigns. Germany has officially unveiled its squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Manuel Neuer making a stunning return to the national team under Julian Nagelsmann, while Serge Gnabry misses the tournament through injury after suffering a major setback late in the season. The announcement immediately sparked debate across the country as Die Mannschaft prepares for another attempt to restore its place among soccer’s elite after difficult recent World Cup campaigns. For months, uncertainty surrounded Neuer’s international future after the veteran goalkeeper stepped away following Euro 2024. Yet Nagelsmann ultimately decided that experience, leadership, and composure on the biggest stage were too valuable to ignore ahead of a tournament that could define the next chapter of German soccer. The biggest revelation from the squad announcement was undoubtedly Neuer’s comeback at the age of 40. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper had repeatedly insisted his international retirement was final, even describing the decision earlier this year as “set in stone.” That position changed after discussions with Nagelsmann, who made it clear he wanted the veteran back between the posts for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. “After many discussions, we understood that the three best goalkeepers in Germany should be at the World Cup. That’s why we spoke with Manuel, and he agreed to return. We plan with him as number 1,” the manager explained. The decision came at a cost for Oliver Baumann, who had expected to remain the DFB-Team’s first-choice goalkeeper after featuring heavily during qualifying. Nagelsmann openly admitted the situation was difficult for the Hoffenheim keeper, describing Neuer’s return as “a blow” for Baumann after months of believing the role belonged to him. Germany finally reveals the full squad As anticipation built around Neuer’s comeback, attention soon shifted toward the rest of Germany’s final selection for the tournament. Nagelsmann eventually confirmed a squad packed with Bundesliga experience, Premier League quality, and several emerging talents viewed as the future of the national team. Manuel Neuer retired from the Germany national team in 2024. Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart) Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), David Raum (Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle) Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion) Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund) One notable absentee remains Gnabry, whose season-ending injury following Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid ruled him out of contention. His absence leaves Germany without one of its most dangerous wide attackers during a tournament where attacking depth could become decisive. Gemeinsam für Deutschland: Unser Kader für die WM 2026! 🖤❤️💛#dfbteam #fifaworldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/zaxWgXsGGv— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) May 21, 2026 Germany searching for redemption Germany enters the World Cup under enormous pressure after consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, the national team has struggled to match expectations on the world stage. Nagelsmann knows expectations remain high despite the re
Son Heung-min headlines South Korea’s 2026 World Cup list
South Korea are headlined by Son Heung-min as they presented their list for the 2026 World Cup. South Korea face a tough task if they want to surpass what they achieved in 2002 during the 2026 World Cup. Matching the semifinal run they reached as hosts seems out of reach this time, but Son Heung-min leads the way with that goal in mind. This is no surprise, as South Korea will take part in the sport’s biggest event for the 11th consecutive time, establishing themselves as one of Asia’s strongest teams. It should not be an easy task for Hong Myung-bo, with not many players competing in the best matches. Except for Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, and Kim Min-jae, who plays for Bayern Munich, the rest of the list is made up of lesser-known names. Captained by the LAFC forward, they could still be a difficult team to face if he is in good form. The list Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan HD), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) Lee could be a great partner (Catherine Steenkeste for Qatar Airways/Getty Images) Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana Citizen), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Cho Yu-min (Sharjah) Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) Forwards: Son Heung-min (LAFC), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş), Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland) The group South Korea were drawn into Group A with Czechia on June 11, Mexico on June 18, and South Africa on June 24.