Former Germany left-back Marcell Jansen has used Transfermarkt’s squad tool to assemble his own 26-man roster for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While Julian Nagelsmann will officially announce his squad on May 21, Jansen’s selection offers a fresh perspective on the tough decisions facing the national team coach.
Starting with the goalkeeping department, Jansen springs a major surprise by calling for a return of Manuel Neuer, with whom he once shared the pitch for Germany in 11 matches. Neuer last appeared for the national team at Euro 2024 and subsequently announced his retirement from international duty. The 40-year-old has consistently rejected any comeback talk, but Jansen remains hopeful. Should Neuer firmly decline, Jansen would neither opt for Oliver Baumann nor Alexander Nübel—the two keepers Nagelsmann recently relied on. Instead, he would turn to Bayern Munich’s Jonas Urbig and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Moritz Nicolas. Nicolas, a product of Jansen’s former youth club, could add a sentimental touch to the squad.
In defense, Jansen mostly mirrors Nagelsmann’s latest call-ups. On the right, Josha Vagnoman serves as backup to captain Joshua Kimmich, while David Raum and Nathaniel Brown compete for the left-back spot. The only change comes in central defense, where newly crowned Serie A champion Yann Bisseck gets the nod over Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United.
Moving to midfield and attack, Jansen avoids blockbuster surprises but leaves out several fan favorites. Anton Stach, currently shining for Leeds United, would not book a ticket to the World Cup. Cologne’s rising star Said El Mala is also omitted, as is Galatasaray winger Leroy Sané—a slight shock given Sané was a regular under Nagelsmann and with Serge Gnabry injured, an extra spot opened up. Neither Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi nor AC Milan’s Niclas Füllkrug make the cut.
Instead, Jansen hands opportunities to previously overlooked players Maximilian Beier and Kevin Schade. Beier’s exclusion from the March squad drew criticism from his club coach Niko Kovac, who stated, “I personally would have taken him, but I’m not the national coach. His performances speak for themselves.” Kovac believes Beier will still travel to the World Cup. Jansen also includes Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, who was only called up in March due to injuries to Aleksander Pavlović and Felix Nmecha. All three are in, at the expense of Pascal Groß, who loses his place.
Jansen’s squad reflects a mix of experience and fresh faces, highlighting the tough choices ahead for Nagelsmann.
