Shortly after being knocked out in the quarter-finals of the European Championship at home, national coach Julian Nagelsmann already has his sights set on the 2026 World Cup title. The disappointment over the elimination against Spain was deep for Nagelsmann, but the 36-year-old immediately expressed optimism for the future: 'It hurts that you have to wait two years to become world champions!'
Nagelsmann's confidence stems from the potential he sees in the German national team. Despite falling short at the European Championships, the team demonstrated they could compete with top nations. The focus now shifts to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. What changes can be expected in the squad? Nagelsmann could rely on a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.
In goal, Marc-André ter Stegen is poised to finally take the lead role after years as Manuel Neuer's backup. Neuer's future with the team remains uncertain, especially as he would be 40 years old by the next World Cup. If Neuer continues, he could still challenge ter Stegen for the starting spot.
Joshua Kimmich is likely to be the first choice for right-back, despite his preference for playing in defensive midfield. Benjamin Henrichs is expected to serve as his backup. In central defense, Jonathan Tah has shown strong performances and could be a regular, while Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Schlotterbeck are also strong contenders. David Raum, who excelled at the European Championships, is expected to secure the left-back position.
In midfield, Aleksandar Pavlović and Angelo Stiller are emerging as potential leaders. Pavlović missed the European Championships due to illness but is expected to be a key player by 2026. Robert Andrich, who impressed with his duel strength and aggressiveness, could also be a mainstay. Leroy Sané, if injury-free, will be crucial in right midfield, while Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are expected to shine in central and left midfield, respectively.
For the striker position, Kai Havertz is likely to be the first choice, with Niclas Füllkrug and youngsters like Maximilian Beier and Youssoufa Moukoko as alternatives. The potential lineup for Germany at the 2026 World Cup includes ter Stegen/Neuer, Kimmich, Rüdiger/Schlotterbeck, Tah, Raum, Pavlovic/Stiller, Andrich, Sané, Wirtz, Musiala, and Havertz/Beier.
Meanwhile, the French national team, led by Didier Deschamps, is also gearing up for the 2026 World Cup. The team's preparations will begin with the Nations League matches against Italy and Belgium in September. Mike Maignan is set to be the primary goalkeeper, with Brice Samba and Alphonse Areola as backups. Lucas Chevalier is a young talent to watch.
Deschamps has a wealth of options for defenders, with both experienced players and young talents pushing for spots. The French team's goal is clear: to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and build a team capable of competing at the highest level.
