Nagelsmann confirms Baumann as Germany´s World Cup number one

Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed Hoffenheim captain Oliver Baumann will be Germany’s starting goalkeeper for the World Cup, though Alexander Nubel will play in Monday’s friendly against Ghana.

Manuel Neuer has been Germany’s number one at each of the last four World Cups and also started between the sticks under Nagelsmann at Euro 2024.

However, the Bayern Munich great retired from international football after that tournament, having won 124 caps for his country.

Neuer’s long-time understudy Marc-Andre ter Stegen was expected to take over, but he missed most of 2024-25 due to injury and lost his place as Barcelona’s starter when they signed Joan Garcia ahead of this season.

Ter Stegen’s loss has been Baumann’s gain as he started all six of Germany’s World Cup qualifiers, keeping four clean sheets. Spain’s Unai Simon was the only goalkeeper from a four-team UEFA qualifying group to keep more shutouts (five).

Nagelsmann has immense confidence in the 35-year-old, though Nubel will get a run-out at his home stadium on Monday, with the Ghana game being played at Stuttgart’s MHPArena.

“It’s not an audition for the goalkeeper position, but a reward for good performances over a long period of time. That’s why he’s getting his home game here,” Nagelsmann said of his decision to start Nubel.

“In the last few months, Alex has taken another step forward. He is loyal to Oli and is important for the goalkeeping team. We have to rotate a bit more to rest a few players.”

Nubel, who will win his third senior cap, said: “I’m extremely happy, it’s basically my living room! I can’t wait to play here.”

3:4

Glückwunsch, Oli und @DFB_Team zum Sieg in diesem intensiven Freundschaftsspiel pic.twitter.com/4prcoVwW86

— TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) March 27, 2026

Meanwhile, Nagelsmann revealed Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is far from certain to recover from a knee injury in time for the World Cup, with his place in the squad in severe danger.

“He has an injury that is not good for us. It needs a certain amount of time to heal, or at least for him to try to play again,” Nagelsmann said of Nmecha.

“But then it is not guaranteed that he will be pain-free or that his body will tolerate the pain. It’s an injury that is not without its challenges, and there is a doubt over whether he will be able to play at the World Cup.

“He has a good body and strong muscles. He’s desperate to play in the World Cup. It would be a bitter loss if he couldn’t do that.”