Coach Nagelsmann is positioned on the rostrum
Julian Nagelsmann, the coach of the German national football team, has outlined his plans for Marc-André ter Stegen's return to FC Barcelona and his potential role in the 2026 World Cup. According to Nagelsmann, Ter Stegen can maintain his position as Germany's number one goalkeeper only if he regains his position as Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper after his recovery from back surgery.
Ter Stegen is currently recovering from a second back operation and is expected to return to Barcelona before the end of 2025, possibly by December. Nagelsmann has shown confidence in his comeback but emphasised that active playing time at the club level will be crucial for Ter Stegen’s inclusion and role in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The German goalkeeper's future at Barcelona is uncertain due to competition and potential financial considerations. Another goalkeeper has filled the role during Ter Stegen's absence, and there is competition within the club due to a recent signing, Joan García, who may become a long-term option.
Nagelsmann made it clear that Ter Stegen must be the starting goalkeeper at Barcelona for him to be the number one for the German national team. There are currently no considerations for a possible return of Manuel Neuer from FC Bayern for the World Cup.
Ter Stegen, who was recently the captain of FC Barcelona, has faced bitterness due to his long-term injury. Despite this, he has been the expected number one goalkeeper in the World Cup next year in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The next international matches for the German national team are against Slovakia (away) and Northern Ireland (home) in early September. Nagelsmann has named Ter Stegen as the number one goalkeeper for these matches.
FC Barcelona signed Joan Garcia (24) and extended Wojciech Szczesny's (35) contract, possibly indicating a change in Ter Stegen's status at the club. Nagelsmann, however, did not provide specific details about potential backup solutions if Ter Stegen's recovery is delayed.
Reports suggest that FC Barcelona may want to get rid of Ter Stegen for financial reasons, but Nagelsmann is in a "super exchange" with the goalkeeper, who has been the number one goalkeeper in the German national team since Neuer's retirement.
In summary, Ter Stegen's role in the 2026 World Cup depends directly on his successful return to Barcelona’s starting lineup as per Nagelsmann’s plans and conditions. The German goalkeeper must regain his position as Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper after the winter break of 2025/26 to maintain his status as Germany's number one goalkeeper.
Other sports might serve as a temporary alternative for Ter Stegen if his comeback to FC Barcelona is delayed or uncertain. However, Nagelsmann has expressed that participation in club-level sports is essential for Ter Stegen's inclusion in the German national team for the 2026 World Cup.
