- Revised Selection of Focus: Nagelsmann Chooses New Objectives
The tears have faded away. When Julian Nagelsmann reveals his inaugural squad 55 days following Germany's bitter European Championship (EM) exit against Spain, en route to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, the national coach will be expected to showcase his core abilities as a master tactician and motivator.
For the initial challenges against Hungary on September 7 in Düsseldorf and against the Netherlands on September 10 in Amsterdam, Nagelsmann will also need to demonstrate his visionary qualities. Familiar faces will be absent from the squad listing on Thursday (10:00 AM), signaling the end of Germany's 2014 World Cup winners' era.
How will Nagelsmann manage the retirements of Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Guendogan, Thomas Muller, and Toni Kroos?
Nagelsmann had already predicted a transition period after the EM, albeit a brief one. During the tournament, he stated there would be no discussions regarding a "young squad." With an average age of just below 30, this isn't an exaggeration. Kroos' departure was already a given, while Neuer and Muller's decisions were likely anticipated by Nagelsmann. Gundogan's retirement, however, was not expected. In essence, Nagelsmann is prepared and aims to invigorate the team for America 2026.
However, a complete overhaul is not necessary. "We have a large group of players who are 26, 27, 28 and can still participate in the World Cup," said the national coach. The aspiration to accomplish the swiftly proposed dream of a golden World Cup trophy is undoubtedly present. "I'm also looking forward to attacking again," said the 37-year-old.
Is Joshua Kimmich set to take on the captaincy role?
A leader is something that the Bayern professional has always desired. This is his claim and his self-understanding. However, the failures from 2018 to 2022 were also connected to his name. Now, Kimmich has an excellent opportunity to rectify this image as Gundogan's successor with the black-red-gold armband.
With 91 international appearances, he has the most among the current national players, ahead of Antonio Rudiger (74) and Leroy Sane (65), neither of whom are traditional captains. Kimmich could soon join the 100-club next summer.
It is not yet confirmed, but Nagelsmann will likely entrust him with the responsibility. Whether this is accompanied by a return to defensive midfield, as at Bayern, remains to be seen.
What are the implications of Neuer's retirement as the undisputed number one?
The final chapter in Bayern's goalkeeper's legendary career in the German jersey after the World Cup victory, 124 games in total, and several goalkeeper records marks a turning point. However, no significant sporting gap is feared for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 EM. Marc-Andre ter Stegen (32) has been waiting for this moment for years. At the EM, he likely knew that the opportunity was there, and as Neuer's backup, he remained silent. He has played 40 international games and is captain and leader at FC Barcelona. Nagelsmann does not need to be concerned about that.
Behind ter Stegen, there are three other older candidates ready in Oliver Baumann (34), Bernd Leno (32), and Kevin Trapp (34). However, Alexander Nubel (27) from VfB Stuttgart should become the first challenger, who was recently dropped from the squad prior to the EM but is now likely to be the man for this position in the future.
Which new faces is Nagelsmann planning for?
Angelo Stiller (23) could have made the strong Stuttgart squad for the Euros. Now, he's the first debut candidate. Alongside Aleksandar Pavlovic (20), who missed the Euros due to another tonsil inflammation and is essentially a newcomer, they form a central duo that could provide coverage for established players Jamal Musiala (21) and Florian Wirtz (21) in the future.
Two other candidates are Mainz's Brajan Gruda (20), who transferred to Brighton, and Borussia Mönchengladbach's Rocco Reitz (22), who was allowed to participate as a supplementary player in the Euro training camp.
Which names are still under consideration?
Serge Gnabry (29) could be a notable returnee. After missing the Euros due to numerous injuries last season, the Munich player is impressing at the start of this season. Whether this is sufficient for a nomination remains to be seen. Another possible returnee is AC Milan's Malick Thiaw (23), who debuted under Hansi Flick as national team coach in the summer of 2023 but then lost touch.
What are the Nations League matches about?
Germany and the Nations League haven't exactly enjoyed a harmonious relationship at first or second glance. The 2018 relegation was only avoided thanks to a new format, there was a 0-6 thrashing in Spain in 2020, and in 2022, the subsequent World Cup disaster in Qatar was hinted at against Hungary (0-1) and England (3-3). The German team has never played for the title.
This occasion carries more significance. Teams from Hungary on November 19, Netherlands on October 14, and Bosnia-Herzegovina on November 16, despite being challenging, can be surmounted. The tournament structure has been revamped once more. Should teams emerge victorious or secure runner-up positions in their groups, they advance to playoffs in March, aiming for a spot in the June final. Alternatively, as third-placers, they confront a League B second-placed team in March playdowns. Only the team finishing last faces relegation this time around.
In what way does this tournament pertain to the 2026 World Cup?
Clearly, the Nations League isn't solely about World Cup glory. However, it does pave the way. If Germany finishes either first or second, they enter a four-team qualifier group, the details of which will be decided later this year. The knockout stage commences in September 2025, involving just six matches. Conversely, as group last-placers, they commence in March.
Nagelsmann will need to manage the retirements of several key players from the 2014 World Cup winning team, including Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gundogan, Thomas Muller, and Toni Kroos, as he prepares the German squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The upcoming Nations League matches against Hungary and the Netherlands provide an opportunity for Nagelsmann to assess the potential of new players, such as Angelo Stiller and Brajan Gruda, who could be key to Germany's future success in America 2026.
