National coach Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t want to name his squad for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico until May 21st – this was originally planned nine days earlier.
What sounds like a number cruncher is intentional. Instead of May 12th, May 21st is now the day of truth for the German national players – the DFB announced this on Tuesday (April 28th, 2026).
This means Nagelsmann can still react to current increases or losses in form in the final stretch of the Bundesliga, the season ends on May 16th. Some players who still have hopes, such as Dortmund striker Maximilian Beier or Freiburg central defender Matthias Ginter, still have a little longer to convince the national coach.
Hope for Nmecha
The postponement also gives injured or ailing players such as Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha and Arsenal’s offensive player Kai Havertz, who is an important option for Nagelsmann in central midfield, more time to get fit again or get into top shape.
Six days after the nomination, the immediate World Cup preparations begin: A training camp starts in Herzogenaurach on May 27th, and the DFB selection flies to Chicago on June 2nd, two days after a test against Finland in Mainz.
FIFA announcement at the beginning of June
The tournament dress rehearsal will take place there on June 6th (8:30 p.m./CEST) against co-hosts USA. At the beginning of June, Nagelsmann must report his final squad of 26 players to FIFA. The national coach could also name more players beforehand. However, all players must be on a list of a maximum of 55 players, which must be presented to the world association by May 11th.
