Julian Nagelsmann will announce Germany's 2026 World Cup squad next Thursday, with several late contenders still fighting for positions. The national team manager revealed in May that while 20 players were already locked in, six remaining spots remained wide open in a competitive battle for selection to the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Maximilian Beier has emerged as the standout performer among the fringe candidates. The Borussia Dortmund forward was omitted from March's friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, but his outstanding form down the left flank has kept him firmly in Nagelsmann's thoughts. With 20 direct goal contributions this season—10 goals and 10 assists across all competitions—Beier leads his direct rivals for the counter-attacking forward role. His tireless work rate, defensive contribution, and consistent performances align perfectly with Nagelsmann's tactical philosophy.
Bayern Injury Opens Door for Beier
The absence of Serge Gnabry through injury has created additional attacking options. Nagelsmann previously suggested only one or two of the three pacy forwards—Beier, Karim Adeyemi, and Brentford's Kevin Schade—would make the final cut. Beier's prolific end to the season has strengthened his case considerably, making him difficult to ignore despite missing the March internationals.
Matthias Ginter represents another intriguing outsider. The 32-year-old centre-back is enjoying a renaissance at SC Freiburg, playing a central role in the club's remarkable run to the Europa League final. His 51 international caps and experience as a 2014 World Cup winner give him pedigree, while former Germany star Max Kruse and team-mate Igor Matanovic have publicly backed his inclusion. However, Ginter faces steep competition from Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rüdiger, and Waldemar Anton for four established centre-back positions, leaving only a fifth and final defensive berth potentially available.
The Numbers Tell the Story
- Beier: 20 direct goal contributions (10 goals, 10 assists) across all competitions
- Ginter: instrumental in Freiburg's Europa League final appearance and Champions League qualification push
- Selection process: 20 players confirmed, 6 spots still contested
- Established centre-backs: Tah, Schlotterbeck, Rüdiger, Anton competing for four spots
Nagelsmann has not selected Ginter since taking charge two-and-a-half years ago, with the defender's last cap coming under Hansi Flick in June 2023. This history suggests the manager may be reluctant to recall him, despite his outstanding recent form. Newcastle United's Malick Thiaw, selected in March, currently holds the fifth defensive position, presenting another hurdle for the Freiburg veteran.
The squad announcement on 21 May will reveal whether Nagelsmann rewards recent form or sticks with established patterns. Beier's trajectory suggests inclusion is likely, while Ginter's chances, despite his stellar season, appear considerably slimmer given Nagelsmann's previous selection trends and the depth available in German central defence.
