Nübel named in Germany World Cup squad as Neuer’s fitness remains key variable
Alexander Nübel secures a spot in the 26-man roster, while Manuel Neuer’s starting status hinges on recent injury assessments.
Germany’s goalkeeper selection for the upcoming World Cup has been clarified, with Alexander Nübel confirmed as part of the national team’s 26-man squad. The 29-year-old, who has spent the last three seasons on loan at VfB Stuttgart from Bayern Munich, is expected to serve as the primary backup to incumbent Manuel Neuer and third-choice goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
The selection comes following reports from Bild and Sky Germany, which have provided clarity on the position ahead of the final squad announcement. Manager Julian Nagelsmann is scheduled to release the complete roster on Thursday, but the immediate focus remains on the hierarchy between the senior keepers.
Neuer, 40, is expected to retain his position as the starting goalkeeper, provided his recent injury sustained during the match against 1. FC Köln is not deemed serious. The severity of the injury remains unknown, introducing a conditional element to the starting lineup that will likely be assessed in the coming days.
In a supporting capacity, Bayern Munich’s Jonas Urbig will travel with the German Football Association (DFB) team to assist with training sessions. However, Urbig will not be registered in the final 26-man tournament squad, a detail reportedly sourced from Bild.
Other contenders for the remaining spots have been largely ruled out. Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen and Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu are expected to miss out on selection, narrowing the field to the trio of Neuer, Baumann, and Nübel. The final confirmation of these arrangements awaits the official squad list release later this week.
