Germany’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup intensify this month with two friendlies, against Switzerland in Basel on March 27 and Ghana in Stuttgart on March 30. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has handed first senior call-ups to two Bayern Munich players: 18-year-old attacking midfielder Lennart Karl and 22-year-old goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. Nagelsmann has suggested the squad for these matches will closely resemble the one he takes to the tournament, giving both newcomers a genuine chance to push for a World Cup place.
Karl has come into the spotlight after becoming this week the youngest German and the youngest Bayern player to both score and assist in a Champions League match. Nagelsmann said he expects Karl to bring youthful freedom and confidence to the team. The coach plans to use him primarily centrally but also on the right, and stressed he will not saddle the teenager with impossible expectations, instead wanting him to play without fear and express what makes young players valuable.
Urbig has taken over Bayern’s number one role following Manuel Neuer’s injury and has impressed with calmness and composure. While Oliver Baumann remains Germany’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Urbig’s inclusion is a forward-looking decision in a position the national team will need to refresh. Nagelsmann praised Urbig’s mental strength and the way he has handled high-pressure situations when called upon.
Nagelsmann also pointed to Bayern’s strong season domestically and in Europe when explaining his selections from the club. Several players return to the squad, including Kai Havertz, who is back after a long injury layoff, along with Pascal Groß, Anton Stach, Antonio Rüdiger, Deniz Undav and Josha Vagnoman. Jamal Musiala was left out as he continues to rebuild match fitness after injury.
Cologne midfielder Said El Mala, who was part of last November’s qualifier squad, has been omitted and will link up with the under-21s. Angelo Stiller and Maximilian Mittelstädt also missed out; Nagelsmann said Stiller is a step behind Aleksandar Pavlovic and underlined that selection decisions rest on whether a player fits the specific role the coach has in mind.
Both Switzerland and Ghana have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Germany’s recent meetings with them produced draws: 1-1 with Switzerland at Euro 2024 and 2-2 with Ghana in a 2014 World Cup group match.
This is the final international break before the World Cup. Germany will name its 26-man squad in late May and will play a friendly against Finland in Mainz before flying to the United States. A final warm-up match against hosts the USA is scheduled for June 6, after which the team will move to its base camp in North Carolina. Germany opens its World Cup campaign on June 14 against Curaçao in Houston.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions involving the US and Iran, the German Football Association has said it is unlikely to take part in any boycott or make political statements at the tournament. Nagelsmann acknowledged the wider context, noting that war affects people’s moods and expressing a wish that conflicts could be ended, but said his focus is on football. He added that, having never participated in a World Cup before, he is extremely excited and hopes the team can put on a good tournament, lift spirits and win over any remaining skeptics.
Edited by: Matt Pearson