RBL players called up for international duty as World Cup draws closer | OneFootball

It’s not just in the Bundesliga that things are getting serious now – the countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on too. The tournament kicks off on 11th June, when the hosts face South Africa in the opening match in Mexico City.

Before then, there is still plenty to come: the final international breaks and more chances for players to play their way into the squad and build momentum. Here’s an overview of the RB Leipzig players called up by their national teams.

David Raum (Germany)

With the World Cup this summer edging closer, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is using the upcoming friendlies against two World Cup participants as a chance to take stock: first playing Switzerland in Basel, then hosting Ghana in Stuttgart.

David Raum has become a regular in the Germany squad and has started each of the side’s last five matches.

Antonia Nusa (Norway)

To find Norway’s last appearance at a World Cup, you have to go all the way back to 1998 – 27 years ago and in a different millennium.

Now the wait is over: a 4-1 win in Italy secured top spot in Group I and with it a place at the 2026 World Cup. Antonio Nusa was part of coach Ståle Solbakken’s squad and has also been called up for the upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire)

Yan Diomande and Côte d’Ivoire have already booked their spot at the World Cup. During this international break, 'Les Éléphants' will use the time for two friendlies as they continue to prepare for the tournament. Before they face Germany on 20th June, coach Emerse Faé is giving his side another chance to gauge where they are.

Maarten Vandevoordt (Belgium)

Maarten Vandevoordt has once again been called up by the Belgium national team. The Red Devils have already secured qualification for the World Cup this summer, where they will face Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in the group stage.

Alongside Vandevoordt, Senne Lammens (Manchester United) and Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest) have also been included in Belgium’s goalkeeping group.

For the upcoming international fixtures, Belgium will travel to the United States, where they will take on two of the three World Cup hosts.

Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald & Xaver Schlager (Austria)

Nicolas Seiwald, Christoph Baumgartner and Xaver Schlager have long since become key figures for Austria and have all been called up by coach Ralf Rangnick for the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and South Korea. All three also have every chance of featuring when Austria start their tournament against Jordan on 17th June.

Kosta Nedeljković (Serbia)

Kosta Nedeljković makes a return to the Serbia fold, having missed the chance to represent his nation in October and November through a knee injury that ruled him out for several months. Serbia have already booked their place in this summer's World Cup, and the side are taking the chance to play a couple of friendly matches this month.

Willi Orban (Hungary)

After the painful 3-2 home defeat to the Republic of Ireland, the World Cup dream is over for Willi Orbán and Hungary. A draw would have been enough to secure second place in Group F and book a place in the play-offs. Instead of gearing up for the World Cup, Orbán and Hungary will now have to settle for friendlies.

Brajan Gruda, Max Finkgräfe (Germany U21)

Two RB Leipzig players have been included in the latest Germany U21 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers: Brajan Gruda and Max Finkgräfe.

Gruda, who was named in the starting XI in last summer’s U21 European Championship final, returns to the set-up, while Finkgräfe receives his first call-up. The left-back last ran out for his country playing for Germany’s U20 side in November 2024.

Having played five matches in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 European U21 Championship, Germany currently sit second in Group F.

Conrad Harder (Denmark U21)

It's another international call-up for Conrad Harder, who has been included in the Denmark U21 squad once more. The young Danes continue their European Championship qualifying campaign with a fixture against Wales in Vejle. Denmark currently sit level on points at the top of Group G alongside Austria and Belgium, though they are behind both sides due to the head-to-head record.

Ezechiel Banzuzi (Netherlands U21)

Ezechiel Banzuzi will join back up with the 'Jong Oranje' for a pair of U21 fixtures. After the side meet group G leaders Norway in a European Championship qualifier, a friendly match against Belgium will round off their action for this international break.

Ayodele Thomas (Netherlands U19)

Ready to return to international action, RB Leipzig youngster Ayodele Thomas has earned another call-up to the Netherlands U19 squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

The Dutch side topped their preliminary Qualifying Round group, with Thomas contributing two goals to the successful effort. In the Elite Round, they will face Finland, Slovenia and hosts Spain.

Andrija Maksimovic (Serbia U19)

Serbia’s U19 side are also preparing for their next round of European Championship qualifiers, with Andrija Maksimovic among the names nominated for this international break.

Serbia finished second in their Qualifying Round group, although the young Red Bull was not part of the squad at that stage. Now, within the space of six days in Portugal, Maksimovic and co. will face England, Portugal and Poland.

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