- Nagelsmann's choices: Which netminder secures the World Cup spot?
Nagelsmann has no time to unwind before the international matches this week. On Monday, the team leader bade farewell, and on Wednesday, it was the World Cup-winning goalkeeper's turn. It's expected that the national team manager might pay a visit to a couple of arenas to observe his German players. With the objective of clinching the 2026 World Cup, the German squad, which will join forces in September, will not be the same as the one that participated in the just-concluded Euro at home.
As Ilkay Gündogan (33) and Manuel Neuer (38) hang up their boots, Nagelsmann needs to fill in two significant positions. He'd prefer to do so without causing constant controversy leading up to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Ter Stegen is the top choice
In goal, at least, the solution seems straightforward and evident: Marc-André ter Stegen (32), Manuel Neuer's long-term replacement, finally gets a chance to prove his worth permanently. Ter Stegen has consistently performed exceptionally well at FC Barcelona, one of the five clubs with unparalleled global recognition.
"Marc-André ter Stegen has waited long enough. He deserves to replace Manuel Neuer based on his performances," said German record player Lothar Matthäus of the German Press Agency, adding, "But I would wholeheartedly support Alexander Nübel as his backup." How about if the 27-year-old replicates his impressive performance from last season at VfB Stuttgart?
Oliver Baumann (34) of TSG Hoffenheim was the third goalkeeper in the Euro squad, with no chance of playing. Kevin Trapp (34/Eintracht Frankfurt) and Bernd Leno (32/FC Fulham) have also received calls from a national coach previously. The scarcity of promising, young goalkeepers pushing for a spot in the German national team has been a topic of debate in recent months.
Clear objective for 2026
However, Nagelsmann might not be too focused on the long-term plan, as his contract, set to expire after the 2024 World Cup, is geared towards that goal. "We aim to be World Champions," is one of the phrases that lingered after Nagelsmann's press conference following the Euro exit against Spain in the quarter-finals.
Most likely, the national team will take part in the Nations League soon, commencing with a match against Euro group rival Hungary in Düsseldorf on September 6. Three days later, they face the Netherlands in a high-stakes, top-of-the-group battle in Amsterdam. The other group opponent is Bosnia and Herzegovina. The World Cup qualifiers kick off in March.
Decisions to be made in the near future
Nagelsmann will assemble the national team in Herzogenaurach on September 2, and the coach will announce his squad decisions the following week. It's likely that Gündogan's successor as captain will be announced along with these decisions. Could it be Joshua Kimmich (29), who has been shifted back to midfield by new Bayern coach Vincent Kompany? Or perhaps Real Madrid's defensive leader, Antonio Rüdiger (31)?
"We have a strong, experienced player who still has a chance to compete in the World Cup," Nagelsmann claimed. From his starting lineup, he must replace Neuer, Gündogan, and Toni Kroos (34). Thomas Müller (34), who had announced his retirement, had a minor role in the home Euro. The other Euro players have several years ahead of them, including 21-year-old sensations Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, who are expected to shape the future of the German national team. However, neither can assist Nagelsmann with the captain or goalkeeper issue.
In preparation for the World Cup qualifiers, Nagelsmann might find it beneficial to observe his German players during national games, providing an opportunity to assess their form and potential replacements for retired players like Ilkay Gündogan and Manuel Neuer.
With the lack of promising young goalkeepers pushing for a spot in the national team, it's essential for Nagelsmann to consider the performances of players like Marc-André ter Stegen and Alexander Nübel in national games to ensure a solid replacement for Neuer in the 2026 World Cup.
