Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Germany’s starting XI for the World Cup opener against Curaçao, naming Manuel Neuer in goal with Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané among the attacking starters.
The coach set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Neuer returns to the starting XI after a break of a little more than 23 months and will make what will be his 125th international appearance. Nathaniel Brown packs the left-back slot. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha form the double pivot. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala occupy the two attacking midfield roles behind striker Kai Havertz, while Leroy Sané starts on the right wing.
Deniz Undav begins on the bench despite having been told in the spring he would be used as a joker; Assan Ouedraogo is also among the substitutes after being called up in place of Lennart Karl.
The lineup was published on June 14, 2026 (announced at 12:00 p.m. ET), hours before Germany’s opener. For deutschland, the selection confirms Nagelsmann’s opening-match personnel and hands an experienced spine to a side expected to control the ball against a debutant opponent.
Curaçao arrive as the smallest nation in the tournament and are making their first World Cup appearance. The Caribbean island, ranked 82nd in the FIFA world rankings, clinched qualification with a decisive 0-0 draw against Jamaica in November 2025 that triggered widespread celebration back home.
The contrast between squads is clear on paper: Germany’s choice of a 4-2-3-1 underlines a preference for midfield control through Pavlovic and Nmecha, with Wirtz and Musiala tasked with unlocking spaces for Havertz to occupy centrally. Sané’s selection on the right gives Nagelsmann a wide attacking option capable of cutting inside or stretching play on the flank.
Leaving Undav—who had expected a late-match impact role—on the bench is the most immediate selection surprise. The benching carries a selection tension: Nagelsmann favoured Sané’s experience and the balance he brings to the front four over the spring promise of a designated joker.
Manuel Neuer’s return changes the game for Germany at the back. His 125th cap brings leadership to a back four that will rely on quick circulation from goalkeeper to defence, while Brown’s start at left-back adds a fresh element on that side.
Curaçao’s arrival at this World Cup is as much a cultural moment as a sporting one. Players and supporters on the island have spoken of an outpouring of pride since qualification, and the squad will bring that momentum into its opening match against one of the tournament favourites.
The practical takeaway is simple: Nagelsmann has delivered a settled plan — experienced goalkeeper, double pivot, creative pair behind a central striker and a wide, pacy right-sided option in Sané. How that construction fares against a spirited Curaçao side remains the single outstanding question raised by the announcement.
What happens next is fixed on the field: Germany plays Curaçao in the World Cup opener tonight, and the performance of Neuer, Musiala and Sané — and the role that Undav may yet play from the bench — will determine whether this chosen starting XI achieves the clean start Nagelsmann intends.
