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

Image by Matthew Burt
Image by Matthew Burt /
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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...

26. Julian Weigl

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.

25. Mats Hummels

Mats 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.

24. Benjamin Henrichs

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.

23. Matthias Ginter

Matthias 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.

22. Lukas Nmecha

Lukas 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.

21. Thilo Kehrer

Thilo 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.

20. Robin Gosens

Robin 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.

19. Lukas Klostermann

Lukas 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.

18. Kevin Trapp

Kevin 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.

17. Marco Reus

Marco 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.

16. Jonas Hofmann

Jonas 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...

15. Timo Werner

Timo 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.

14. David Raum

Ilkay Guendogan, David Raum
Raum has impressed / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

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

13. Nico Schlotterbeck

Nico Schlotterbeck
Schlotterbeck is a prospect / Boris Streubel/GettyImages

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

12. Serge Gnabry

Serge 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.

11. Leroy Sané

Ilkay 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.

10. Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Marc-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.

9. Niklas Süle

Niklas 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.

8. Kai Havertz

Kai 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.

7. Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan
Always solid / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages

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

6. Jamal Musiala

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

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

5. Leon Goretzka

Leon 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.

4. Thomas Müller

Thomas 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.

3. Antonio Rüdiger

Antonio 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.

2. Joshua Kimmich

Jude 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.

1. Manuel Neuer

Manuel 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.