Newcastle United duo Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw have been named in Germany’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving both players their first selections for a major international tournament.
The call-ups come after important first seasons on Tyneside for both players, with different results.
Woltemade arrived at Newcastle at the last minute, carrying high expectations with him, but he experienced an uneven campaign, starting strongly before later losing minutes and Eddie Howe’s trust during
the second half of the season, although he kind of regained his form and status as an XI player during the final weeks of the season.
The Germany international, who already played the No. 9 for the nation before arriving in Tyneside, seems to be leaning toward staying at the club as the Magpies’ brass believes he can be more effective in his second season in the Premier League after adjusting to English football.
Thiaw’s inclusion reflects a more stable first year at the club after a low-key, surprising, under-the-radar transfer last summer. The centre-back became an important part of Newcastle’s defensive group, especially during a season in which injuries affected Fabian Schar and other senior players, and solidified himself as a staple for the present and the future of the organization.
Germany will first play two warm-up games before the tournament. Julian Nagelsmann’s side face Finland at the Mewa Arena in Mainz on Saturday, May 31. They then travel to the United States to face the USA at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, June 6.
The World Cup campaign for Germany will begin with a Group E match against WC debutants Curaçao at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, June 14.
Germany will then face the Ivory Coast at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday, June 20, before closing the group stage against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Thursday, June 25.
