Germany announce 26-man World Cup squad as surprise ex-Premier League star included

Germany have announced their final 26-man squad for the World Cup - with a number of surprise players included.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has whittled down his squad selection after naming a provisional 55-man contingent last week.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, was the surprise inclusion in that provisional lineup, having retired from international football in 2024.

And Neuer is part of the final squad, with the 124-cap international likely to replace Oliver Baumann as Germany's number one goalkeeper.

Unlike other national managers, Nagelsmann has opted against selecting a fourth goalkeeper.

Elsewhere, there is a strong Premier League contingent, with Arsenal's Kai Havertz, Liverpool's Florian Wirtz and the Newcastle pair of Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade all selected - though Brentford's Kevin Schade has missed out.

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Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala will be entrusted to lead the charge for Germany at the World Cup, while his 18-year-old team-mate Lennart Karl has made the cut.

Jamal Musiala is expected to play a key role for Germany at the World Cup (Image: Getty)

There has been some surprise from Germany fans, meanwhile, at the inclusion of Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane.

Sane has scored seven goals and provided five assists for the Turkish club this season, having joined them on a free transfer from Bayern Munich last summer.

The 30-year-old, who previously played for Manchester City, has earned a call-up ahead of Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi.

A leaked squad that emerged on Wednesday named FC Koln forward Salid El Mala among the final contingent, with the 19-year-old still uncapped by Germany.

However, he has not been named in the official announcement.

Germany have been drawn in Group F for the 2026 World Cup, where they will take on Curacao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

Germany 26-man World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nubel (Monaco)

Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, captain), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, vice-captain), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Pascal Gross (Brighton), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Alexander Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Denis Undav (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)