Overview
- Marc-André ter Stegen is out for several months following back surgery, creating uncertainty over Germany's No. 1 role for World Cup 2026 qualifying.
- Lothar Matthäus told Sport Bild he would turn to Manuel Neuer at the World Cup if ter Stegen is not fit, while acknowledging ter Stegen remains first choice if recovered and playing.
- Julian Nagelsmann and DFB sporting director Rudi Völler have previously excluded a World Cup return for Neuer, who retired from international duty about a year ago after 124 caps.
- Nagelsmann is scheduled to announce his first 2026 qualifying squad at 17:00, with Germany opening against Slovakia on 4 September in Bratislava and Northern Ireland on 7 September in Cologne.
- Matthäus named Noah Atubolu and Bernd Leno as leading alternatives, and a Frankfurter Rundschau column argues Alexander Nübel must prove broader consistency beyond penalty heroics.