March 31, 2026
Germany impressed in March friendlies, beating Switzerland and Ghana, and now face the final selection for a 26-man World Cup squad less than two months before the tournament. The core of Julian Nagelsmann’s team is clear, but the last international break produced standouts and underwhelming displays that could influence the final choices.
Winners
– Kai Havertz — With close to 60 caps, Havertz remains a key figure. After a long injury layoff his place had been uncertain, but a strong return to fitness and form eased doubts. His combination play against Switzerland was incisive, and his confident penalty against Ghana, celebrated with a loud roar, suggested he’s rediscovering top form. Havertz looks set for a starting role.
– Florian Wirtz — All but guaranteed a place on the plane, the 22-year-old reinforced his importance with two goals and two assists in Basel and another influential outing in Stuttgart. Operating without Jamal Musiala this break, Wirtz showed he can create and decide games on his own, making him a vital attacking option.
– Lennart Karl — The 18-year-old Bayern playmaker impressed after a brief substitute appearance in Basel, exploding into life in Stuttgart. Karl combined energetic pressing, dribbling and directness that Nagelsmann will value. Though he missed a chance to score, his desire to take on defenders and defensive work-rate make him a strong candidate for the squad.
– Nathaniel Brown — The 22-year-old Eintracht left-back played about an hour against Ghana and looked competent enough to calm concerns at left-back. With David Raum not having nailed down the position, Brown’s showing has likely earned him at least a squad spot and the prospect of more minutes in the buildup to the tournament.
Losers
– Angelo Stiller — Given a chance after injuries elsewhere, Stiller started both matches but failed to seize the opportunity. He appeared tentative on the ball at times and was slow to close down for Switzerland’s opener. With Pascal Groß making a decent case in Stuttgart, Stiller may have been shown that the World Cup would come too soon.
– Nico Schlotterbeck — The Dortmund centre-back began both games and is part of the favored pairing with Jonathan Tah, but his performances were mixed. He made sloppy errors in build-up against Switzerland and was only marginally steadier in Stuttgart. He should travel, but the displays may have reminded Nagelsmann of the defensive questions that leave Antonio Rüdiger positioned as a backup option.
– Nick Woltemade — The Newcastle striker was meant to use the break to regain confidence but struggled to capitalize on chances. Twenty minutes off the bench in Switzerland yielded little, and in Stuttgart he missed a clear first-half opportunity and then struck the bar later on. He is likely to be included in the wider squad, but needs to find form fast to justify a prominent role.
Edited by: Matt Pearson