Germany’s 2022 World Cup squad: Who’s on the plane?

Business

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Germany are looking pretty good and are rightfully among the favourites to win the competition.

After a few disappointing tournaments since their 2014 triumph, Die Mannschaft will be keen to right some wrongs this winter.

But who should be included in their 26-man squad? Let’s find out…

Bundesliga"Borussia Mönchengladbach v RB Leipzig"Bundesliga"Borussia Mönchengladbach v RB Leipzig"

Weigl in action / ANP/GettyImages

Weigl has really impressed since moving to Borussia Monchengladbach. With defensive midfielders not exactly in abundance in Germany, he could be a suitable backup behind the trio of Kimmich, Goretzka and Gundogan.

Mats HummelsMats Hummels

Hummels is at BVB / Visionhaus/GettyImages

After a disappointing 2021/22 season, Hummels is finally looking a bit more like himself again. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him make the cut.

Bundesliga"Borussia Mönchengladbach v RB Leipzig"Bundesliga"Borussia Mönchengladbach v RB Leipzig"

A regular in the squad / ANP/GettyImages

The right-back is usually selected in squads and, even though he rarely gets any game time, he’s a valuable player to have in case of injuries.

Matthias GinterMatthias Ginter

Ginter celebrating / Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages

Ginter is back to his best at SC Freiburg. A reliable defender who can play at centre-back or on the right, Flick will also certainly bring him to Qatar.

Lukas NmechaLukas Nmecha

Lukas Nmecha in action for Germany / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

The Wolfsburg man is Germany’s only out-and-out number nine so he has to be called up.

Thilo KehrerThilo Kehrer

Thilo Kehrer is now a West Ham player / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

After moving to West Ham, Kehrer is finally getting the regular football he needs. He started against England in the Nations League and will get game time at the World Cup.

Robin GosensRobin Gosens

Gosens in action / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

Now firmly Inter’s first choice left wing-back, but will likely be second choice for Germany this winter.

Lukas KlostermannLukas Klostermann

Lukas Klostermann may start at right-back / Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages

Nominally, he is Germany’s best right-back. Suffered an ankle injury at the start of the season but should be back in time for the World Cup.

Kevin TrappKevin Trapp

Trapp will be third choice / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

Trapp has been playing well recently. He should have his place as the third choice goalkeeper sewn up.

Marco ReusMarco Reus

If fit, Reus will make the team / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

Injured again at the moment. He should be fit for the World Cup. If he is, he’s in the squad.

Jonas HofmannJonas Hofmann

Hofmann played vs England / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

One of the biggest surprises over the last few months has been the development of Hofmann into a top player at Gladbach. He could cause a stir at the World Cup…

Timo WernerTimo Werner

Werner has left Chelsea / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

Still lacking confidence following a disastrous spell at Chelsea. He’ll need to improve if Germany are going to have a chance of winning the tournament.

Ilkay Guendogan, David RaumIlkay Guendogan, David Raum

Raum has impressed / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

The first choice left-back, Raum has been exceptional since his move to RB Leipzig.

Nico SchlotterbeckNico Schlotterbeck

Schlotterbeck is a prospect / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

Schlotterbeck is fighting with club colleague Süle for a place in the starting XI alongside Rüdiger.

Serge GnabrySerge Gnabry

Gnabry is a match winner on his day / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

The Bayern star is possibly the biggest problem child in the DFB squad. He has been out of shape for months – both in the club and in the national team. Nevertheless, it is inconceivable that Flick will leave him out.

Ilkay Guendogan, Timo Werner, Leroy Sane, David RaumIlkay Guendogan, Timo Werner, Leroy Sane, David Raum

Sane will be key / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

Week to week Sané’s performances usually fluctuate between genius and anonymity – Germany will be hoping for more of the former in Qatar.

Marc-Andre ter StegenMarc-Andre ter Stegen

Germany’s second choice GK / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

Secured his place as Neuer’s backup. The Barça keeper showed against Hungary and England that he can be brought in at any time and be trusted to perform.

Niklas SuleNiklas Sule

Sule needs to stay fit / Michael Regan/GettyImages

If Süle is fit, he has to start. A brick wall at the back on his day.

Kai HavertzKai Havertz

Havertz scored against England / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

Since there is no truly great striker in the squad, Havertz will probably play as a the nominal centre forward.

Ilkay GundoganIlkay Gundogan

Always solid / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages

Gundogan is exactly the sort of player every nation wants in their squad – a dependable and consistent performer.

Jamal MusialaJamal Musiala

Musiala is a top prospect / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

Germany’s most exciting young talent. Musiala could break out in Qatar.

Leon GoretzkaLeon Goretzka

Goretzka is brilliant / BSR Agency/GettyImages

After his knee surgery in the summer, Goretzka is slowly getting back to full fitness. When fully fit, his partnership with Kimmich is truly special.

Thomas MullerThomas Muller

A match winner / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

The space investigator has struggled for form this season, but there’s no denying how important he is to this Germany team.

Antonio RuedigerAntonio Ruediger

Rüdiger is now at Real Madrid / Alex Grimm/GettyImages

The main man in defence for Germany, Rüdiger is one of the world’s best.

Jude Bellingham, Joshua KimmichJude Bellingham, Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich is world class / Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/GettyImages

Joshua Kimmich has the potential to be the star of the 2022 World Cup. He’s the best midfielder in the world.

Manuel NeuerManuel Neuer

Neuer is still one of the best / BSR Agency/GettyImages

The number one and the captain, Neuer will be aiming to win his second World Cup this winter.