Nagelsmann Keeps Germany Roster Set for Curaçao Opener
Julian Nagelsmann’s germany roster for Sunday’s World Cup opener against Curaçao looks close to set, with the same group that faced the USMNT last weekend a strong bet if no further injuries intervene. Germany is opening the FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup after exits in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, so this first match sits inside a clear redemption push.
Nagelsmann’s Germany Shape
The base shape is expected to stay a 4-2-3-1, even if Nagelsmann leans on a solid chain of three at the back once possession settles. Joshua Kimmich should be part of that back chain at right-back, with Aleksandar Pavlović installed as the single pivot. In that version, Germany can be read as a 3-1-6 when it pushes forward.
Leroy Sané already supplied one piece of form with a goal against the USA, and the rest of the front structure appears just as stable. The squad has little room for wholesale change, which is why the opening XI has settled around a small number of fixed roles rather than open competition across the pitch.
Brown, Raum And Left-Back
The main selection battle sits at left-back. Nathaniel Brown has started both matches in June, while David Raum has long been the preferred option there, and that is the one position drawing real attention before Sunday.
That is the only obvious wrinkle in a lineup that otherwise largely picks itself. Philipp Lahm offered a sharp read on the back line, saying, "Joshua Kimmich should remain in midfield and thus preserve the Bayern spine of the team, with Borussia Dortmund central defender Waldemar Anton at right-back."
Germany’s No. 9 Decision
Up front, Germany still has one more choice to settle. The No. 9 position has not been fixed since the days of Miroslav Klose, and the current call is between Deniz Undav, Kai Havertz, or both.
Undav keeps scoring for the national team, but he remains in a super-sub role under Nagelsmann. That leaves the opener against Curaçao as another test of whether Germany starts with a pure striker look or keeps the role flexible, a decision that could shape how quickly the team settles into the tournament after those back-to-back group-stage exits.
