Overview
- Pascal Groß confirmed on Thursday that his midseason move from Borussia Dortmund back to Brighton revived his regular playing time in the Premier League and secured his place in Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad.
- Manager Julian Nagelsmann selected Manuel Neuer as the tournament goalkeeper despite Neuer’s earlier retirement and Oliver Baumann having played in qualifying, a choice Groß says does not damage the coach’s credibility.
- To include Groß and other veterans, Nagelsmann left several younger midfield prospects—such as Tom Bischof, Assan Ouédraogo and Anton Stach—off the roster, highlighting a preference for experience over youth.
- Groß, 34, expects to be used mainly as a substitute and says he will bring stability, energy and leadership when called upon while fulfilling his Brighton contract through 2027.
- The selection underscores a wider managerial trade-off between current form and proven tournament experience and could shape Germany’s depth and tactical options in knockout matches.