Matthaus backs Musiala and Wirtz to shine for Germany at 2026 World Cup

Former Germany midfielder Lothar Matthaus believes “game-changers” Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz could make the difference for their country at the 2026 World Cup.

Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany have been knocked out in the group stages at both the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.

Julian Nagelmann’s side won five of their six qualifying games to win their group and secure their spot in this summer’s competition in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

They were drawn into Group E alongside Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao, with their first game of the tournament against the latter on June 14, and the Opta Predictor has given them a 7.1% of becoming world champions again.

Musiala is yet to appear for Bayern Munich this season after suffering a long-term injury during their Club World Cup campaign, while Wirtz is just starting to find his feet following his move to Liverpool.

Matthaus, who won the World Cup with Germany in 1990, has backed Musiala and Wirtz to have an impact on the biggest stage.

“I believe in the players, I believe in the team,” Matthaus told Sky Sports Germany.

17% – According to the Opta Predictor, reigning UEFA European Championship winners Spain are the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 (17%) – they could become the first nation to hold both simultaneously for a second time (2008, 2010, 2012 previously). Elect. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/tjCZKsEuj8

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2025

“The atmosphere within the squad is good. I can see that because I’m often travelling with the German national team.

“I hope that our game-changers will be fit when we need them, that they’ll get into match rhythm from March onwards.

“I’m thinking primarily of Jamal Musiala, but I’m also thinking of Florian Wirtz, and I hope that he’ll fly to the World Cup with confidence and not with the self-doubt he probably has a bit at the moment.

“I’m convinced that he’ll get out of this unsatisfactory situation in Liverpool.”

Seventeen-year-old Lennart Karl is enjoying a breakthrough season with Bayern, putting him in contention to make Germany’s World Cup squad.

He has registered three goals and two assists in the Bundesliga this term, while he is the only player to have scored against Arsenal in the Champions League so far, one of three goals he has scored in four appearances in the competition.

“If Karl plays like he has in recent months, I’m 100% sure Julian Nagelsmann will take him,” Matthaus added.

“The best players should be involved; there’s no such thing as too young or too old.”