Julian Nagelsmann has disclosed the most poignant moment during Germany's selection process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the late inclusion of Nadiem Amiri in the squad. Speaking ahead of Saturday's DFB-Pokal final, the national team manager described the emotional phone call to the Mainz 05 midfielder, who discovered his World Cup berth at the last possible moment.
"He found out at the very last minute and really hadn't expected to be included," Nagelsmann explained, reflecting on their shared history dating back to Hoffenheim's youth academy. The pair celebrated Germany's U19 championship together in 2014, a bond that deepened when Nagelsmann took charge of Hoffenheim's Bundesliga outfit in February 2016. For nearly three and a half years, the coach developed Amiri's talents before both departed in 2019—Nagelsmann to RB Leipzig and Amiri to Bayer Leverkusen.
From Wilderness to World Cup Glory
Amiri's journey to the 2026 squad represents a remarkable redemption arc. The 29-year-old earned his first senior cap in October 2019 but endured a devastating four-and-a-half-year exile from international football, beginning in November 2020. Nagelsmann's reinstatement in March 2025 marked the beginning of his resurgence. Most significantly, Amiri scored as a substitute during Germany's decisive 3-1 World Cup qualifier victory over Northern Ireland in September, cementing his relevance on the continental stage.
Injuries during October's training camp and the November and March international windows tested his availability, yet consistent performances for Mainz secured his selection. Nagelsmann envisions Amiri as a potent impact substitute capable of transforming tight matches through his flair and dynamism. "He doesn't need a warm-up period; he's immediately at full intensity," the manager noted, praising his emotional commitment and goal-scoring form. Whether deployed for ten minutes or ninety, Amiri brings unwavering competitive fire.
Tournament Setup and Opening Fixtures
Germany commences preparations on Wednesday at the DFB Campus in Herzogenaurach before a final warm-up against Finland on 31 May. The team faces co-hosts the USA on 6 June, then opens their World Cup campaign on 14 June against Curaçao. Grouped alongside the Ivory Coast and Ecuador, Germany targets early momentum as tournament favorites in North America.
