Sané, the big omission in the squad

Coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Wednesday the squad list for Germany’s first matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The biggest surprise was the absence of winger Leroy Sané, the new signing of Galatasaray, who had been a regular in recent call-ups.

In addition to Sané, Germany will be without Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Tim Kleindienst, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, all sidelined through injury. Midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic was also left out as he is still recovering from a physical setback.

To compensate, Nagelsmann included three fresh faces: goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, defender Ndamdi Collins, and midfielder Paul Nebel, who will get their first opportunity in official competition.

Germany will play its opening match away to Slovakia on September 4, followed by a home fixture against Northern Ireland on September 7, as the team kicks off a key campaign to rebuild momentum.

A renewed list with young talent

In goal, Nagelsmann selected Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Finn Dahmen (Augsburg), and Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart). The defense features experienced names like Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) and Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), alongside Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund) and newcomer Ndamdi Collins (Eintracht Frankfurt).

The midfield mixes experience and youth. Standouts include Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry from Bayern Munich, along with Florian Wirtz of Liverpool. New addition Paul Nebel (Mainz) also earns a place.

Up front, Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham) and Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart) will lead the attack as Germany searches for reliable options in the absence of several regular starters.

The squad named by Nagelsmann highlights the transitional phase in German football: missing key stars through injuries while giving younger players the chance to step up in a qualifying campaign where slip-ups cannot be afforded.