Germany's World Cup preparations have been hit by a devastating blow after teenage forward Lennart Karl was ruled out of the upcoming tournament. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich prodigy sustained a severe thigh injury during Die Mannschaft's final training session, forcing national team manager Julian Nagelsmann to call up a late replacement.
Fresh off a win over Senegal, the USMNT face their toughest pre-World Cup test yet against Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Germany. GOAL breaks down five key storylines.
Bayern Munich's rising star Lennart Karl has revealed the unique way he keeps his footballing idol close to him during every match. The Germany international, who is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in the Bundesliga, has admitted to carrying a secret tribute to Lionel Messi onto the pitch.
Steffen Freund believes England are currently better equipped than Germany to challenge for the 2026 World Cup, though he has warned of a potential stumbling block for Thomas Tuchel. The former Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund midfielder suggests that while the Three Lions possess superior squad depth, the manager's history with man-management could pose a threat to their pursuit of silverware.
The World Cup has had no shortage of iconic moments across nearly 100 years of history. Every four years, billions of fans congregate to watch a tournament that has provided more drama, heartbreak and joy than any other event in sporting history. Football's grandest stage, the World Cup has always offered a platform for legends to be born, but it has also seen reputations destroyed and the downfall of so many famous faces.
Joshua Kimmich has revealed he will be supporting Arsenal in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The Bayern Munich midfielder wants Germany team-mate Kai Havertz to lift the trophy and believes success at club level could benefit the national team ahead of the World Cup.
FIFA has confirmed the key dates and squad regulations for the 2026 World Cup. Nations must submit their final player lists by June 1, with strict rules in place regarding injuries, replacements and goalkeeper selections.
Manuel Neuer’s return to Germany’s squad has lifted confidence inside the national team camp ahead of the World Cup. Team-mates Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck admitted the Bayern Munich veteran’s reputation alone changes how opponents approach games.
Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nathaniel Brown has refused to distance himself from growing speculation linking him with a summer switch to Bundesliga titans Bayern Munich. The highly-rated Germany left-back is fully focused on his international duties, but his impressive domestic form has reportedly caught the attention of several top European clubs.
Julian Nagelsmann could be heading for the tattoo studio if Germany win the World Cup. David Raum revealed the Germany boss may have backed himself into a corner after joking about getting matching ink should Die Mannschaft lift the trophy.
Germany legends Lothar Matthaus and Roman Weidenfeller have both publicly endorsed Julian Nagelsmann's shock decision to restore Manuel Neuer as the nation’s primary goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich veteran has sensationally stepped out of international retirement to lead Die Mannschaft in North America, displacing Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann in the process.
Manuel Neuer's rollercoaster week has taken another dramatic turn as Bayern Munich confirmed the veteran goalkeeper will miss the German Cup final against Stuttgart through injury. The news comes less than 24 hours after the 40-year-old was sensationally named as Germany's first-choice shot-stopper for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has officially confirmed that Manuel Neuer will be the nation's starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich veteran has sensationally decided to reverse his international retirement to lead Die Mannschaft in North America.
Former Germany defender Markus Babbel has criticised Julian Nagelsmann over his handling of the national team's goalkeeper situation ahead of the World Cup. The Mannschaft boss has selected Manuel Neuer as part of the squad despite the goalkeeper having retired from international football almost two years ago.
Julian Nagelsmann has intentionally avoided clarifying the international future of Manuel Neuer ahead of Germany's World Cup squad announcement. Despite the veteran goalkeeper’s previous retirement, reports suggest a dramatic U-turn could see the Bayern Munich legend reclaim the number one shirt for the upcoming tournament in North America.
German football icons Lothar Matthaus, Didi Hamann, and Michael Ballack have weighed in on the polarising debate surrounding Manuel Neuer’s potential World Cup return. While Matthaus acknowledges Neuer is still the nation’s best, he labelled the lack of communication with current No. 1 Oliver Baumann a "slap in the face" as the countdown to Julian Nagelsmann’s final squad announcement on Thursday begins.
The iconic Manuel Neuer is set to pull on the Germany jersey once again after agreeing to come out of international retirement for the 2026 World Cup. Despite stepping away from the national team in 2024, the Bayern Munich veteran has been convinced by Julian Nagelsmann to reclaim his spot as the number one.
Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer is edging closer to a sensational international comeback after being included in Germany's 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite retiring from international duty following Euro 2024, the 40-year-old goalkeeper has held concrete talks with Julian Nagelsmann regarding a return as the national team’s number one, with a final decision expected ahead of the official squad announcement on May 21.
The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.
This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world's game. In this edition, we dive into how Julian Nagelsmann is trying to make Germany... Germany again. For years, the national team has drifted away from the identity that made them world champions in Brazil just 12 years ago. Now, their head coach is determined to restore it.
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