Germany World Cup 2026 Squad | Neuer Returns, Bischof Waits, and Die Mannschaft Chase History

Four-time world champions Germany announced their 26-man roster for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday in Frankfurt, and the headline was not a young prodigy or a tactical gamble but the return of a man who had already said goodbye.

Manuel Neuer, who announced his international retirement in 2024, is back, set to make a fifth World Cup appearance, and head coach Julian Nagelsmann did not shy away from the symbolism of it all.

"We're planning with him as our number one," Nagelsmann added flatly, leaving little room for debate. With Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel named as the other two keepers, the goalkeeping question is settled, at least in the coach's mind.

The harder conversations, inevitably, are about those who were not named.

Bayern Munich midfielder Tom Bischof may well remember this Thursday as the most difficult of his young career. At this time last season, he was a prime contender to make the World Cup team. A season spent largely out of position, however, cost him the chance.

Nagelsmann revealed that Bischof's name was debated until the final hour.

"We discussed his name until the last moment. I think he played just 30% of possible minutes, he will certainly play more in the future. He will also play major tournaments for Germany in the future," the coach said.

"I rate him highly. Of course, he was sad and frustrated, but he reacted well. He will have a big future,” he added.

Consolation, for now, is all the youngster has to carry home.

He is not alone in his omission as Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi has also been left out of the squad, a decision that will raise eyebrows among those who have tracked his development at club level.

The outfield roster carries both experience and youthful intent. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala anchor the midfield alongside the veteran Joshua Kimmich, while Kai Havertz leads an attack that also includes Leroy Sane, Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, and Maximilian Beier.

At the back, Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah provide the spine, with Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, David Raum, Malick Thiaw, and Nathaniel Brown completing the defensive options.

Germany Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel

Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, David Raum, Malick Thiaw, Nathaniel Brown

Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller, Lennart Karl, Nadiem Amiri, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, Felix Nmecha, Pascal Gross

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Leroy Sané, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier