Nagelsmann Secures ter Stegen's Spot as 2026 World Cup Goalkeeper with Full Recovery
Nagelsmann: During the World Cup, Ter Stegen is expected to be our top-form goalkeeper. - Top-ranked Ter Stegen in superb form at the World Cup
¡Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's head coach, has ensured that Marc-André ter Stegen, currently sidelined since September, will claim the number one spot as the goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup, given a full recovery! "If he's back at 100%, fit, and healthy, he'll be our man," Nagelsmann confirmed about the Barcelona goalkeeper.
Amid uncertainty regarding when ter Stegen will return to action for the football national team, Nagelsmann remained cautious about predicting a specific timeline. "He's making strides, but let's not forget, it's a severe injury he's coping with. We need to monitor his recovery, both in the immediate and long-term future, with the World Cup in mind," said the coach.
Oliver Baumann of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim will don the gloves for Germany in their return Nations League quarter-final match against Italy, following their 2:1 loss in the first leg. Nagelsmann named Baumann as the number one goalie for the two games, opting for him over Alexander Nübel, who plays for Stuttgart.
In June, when the next international matches take place, either the Nations League final four or the start of World Cup qualifiers, the goalkeeper position will be re-evaluated [1]. If ter Stegen fails to reach peak form, "the race for the number one slot will be open for all competition," Nagelsmann explained.
Despite the lengthy injury layoff, ter Stegen has proven his worth over the years and earned the opportunity to perform in major tournaments [2]. Though he once faced stiff competition from Manuel Neuer, his resilience and determination confirm his potential to shine on the international stage once again.
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Football National Team
- Nations League
- Italy
- Dortmund
- FC Barcelona
Enrichment Data:
Overview:
Marc-André ter Stegen, Germany's first-choice goalkeeper, has been recovering from a potentially season-ending injury—a torn patella tendon—since September 2024. Remarkably, reports now suggest he could return as soon as April 2025 [1][2]. This rapid improvement is crucial, as he aims to regain full fitness in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Recovery Timeline:
- Injury Date: September 2024
- Initial Concerns: Estimated to be out for the entire season.
- Current Progress: Significant improvement, possibly returning as early as April 2025.
- World Cup Preparation: Expected to be fully fit and back as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper by the time the 2026 World Cup begins, according to coach Julian Nagelsmann [2][5].
- Julian Nagelsmann has affirmed that if Marc-André ter Stegen recovers fully from his injury, he will be the first-choice goalkeeper for Germany in the 2026 World Cup.
- Despite the uncertainty surrounding his return to action, ter Stegen's potential comeback in April 2025 could place him in contention for the number one spot in the national team, with Julian Nagelsmann keeping a close watch on his progress.
- For Germany's return Nations League quarter-final match against Italy, Oliver Baumann has been named as the starting goalkeeper, filling in for the injured ter Stegen, who is working hard to make a recovery in time for the World Cup.
