Germany World Cup Goalkeeper Baumann Confirmed As Nagelsmann Names Starting Lineup

Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed Hoffenheim captain Oliver Baumann will be Germany's first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, while Alexander Nubel will start Monday's friendly against Ghana. Nagelsmann stressed that Nubel’s outing in Stuttgart is not a trial, as Baumann already holds the number one role.

Nagelsmann explained his approach by underlining Nubel’s long-term progress and contribution within Germany's World Cup squad. "It's not an audition for the goalkeeper position, but a reward for good performances over a long period of time. That's why he's getting his home game here," Nagelsmann said, outlining the reasoning behind the goalkeeper selection for Ghana.

For over a decade, Manuel Neuer occupied Germany's starting spot, including

the last four World Cups. Neuer also began Euro 2024 under Nagelsmann but retired from international duty after that tournament. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper finished with 124 caps, leaving a major vacancy in Germany's World Cup squad structure.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen initially looked the natural successor for Germany's World Cup squad. However, ter Stegen missed most of the 2024-25 season through injury and then lost the starting role at Barcelona, where Joan Garcia arrived before this campaign. That sequence pushed ter Stegen down the pecking order for Nagelsmann.

Baumann’s form during qualifying strengthened Nagelsmann’s decision for Germany's World Cup squad. Baumann started all six World Cup qualifiers and kept four clean sheets. Only Unai Simon, with Spain, recorded more clean sheets in a four-team UEFA qualifying group, finishing with five shutouts across their campaign.

Goalkeeper	Team	Competition	Matches	Clean sheets
Oliver Baumann	Germany	World Cup qualifiers	6	4
Unai Simon	Spain	World Cup qualifiers	–	5

Nagelsmann highlighted how Nubel fits into Germany's World Cup squad goalkeeping group. "In the last few months, Alex has taken another step forward. He is loyal to Oli and is important for the goalkeeping team. We have to rotate a bit more to rest a few players," Nagelsmann said.

Nubel, who is set to earn a third senior cap, spoke about the significance of playing at Stuttgart's MHPArena, where the Ghana friendly will be held. Nubel said: "I'm extremely happy, it's basically my living room!I can't wait to play here. " The match offers Germany another chance to fine-tune details.

3:4 Glckwunsch, Oli und @DFB_Team zum Sieg in diesem intensiven Freundschaftsspiel pic.twitter.com/4prcoVwW86TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) March 27, 2026

Germany World Cup squad concerns over Felix Nmecha

While the goalkeeping situation appears settled, Germany's World Cup squad faces uncertainty in midfield. Borussia Dortmund player Felix Nmecha is racing against time after a knee injury. Nagelsmann described Nmecha’s chances as doubtful, suggesting the recovery process may not align with the tournament schedule.

Nagelsmann gave a detailed update on the situation affecting Germany's World Cup squad plans. "He has an injury that is not good for us. It needs a certain amount of time to heal, or at least for him to try to play again," Nagelsmann said. "But then it is not guaranteed that he will be pain-free or that his body will tolerate the pain. It's an injury that is not without its challenges, and there is a doubt over whether he will be able to play at the World Cup. He has a good body and strong muscles. He's desperate to play in the World Cup. It would be a bitter loss if he couldn't do that. "

Germany's World Cup squad picture is therefore mixed for Nagelsmann. Baumann’s rise, Nubel’s home appearance and Neuer’s past service provide stability in goal, yet Nmecha’s situation leaves open questions in midfield, with limited time remaining before final tournament decisions are confirmed.