„Completely optimistic“: Völler believes Musiala will step up at the World Cup | OneFootball

One of the unanswered questions heading into the 2026 World Cup was how fit Jamal Musiala was. After his serious injury in the summer of 2025, it took him a long time to even get back into the swing of things. His performance in the group stage was mixed. 

The Bayern player scored one goal, and he also managed a single goal in the warm-up match against Finland. There are moments when his class shines through, but then there are also phases when he disappears or plays poorly.

According to Julian Nagelsmann, it’s important for Musiala to find that rhythm—and that’s only possible with playing time. That’s why the Bayern pro started all three games.

Völler remains calm about Musiala

So far, it’s safe to say that Musiala still has room for improvement. But the same goes for his natural partner on the offensive end, Florian Wirtz. He, too, has not yet played the role that was hoped for him.

Photo: IMAGO

DFB Director Rudi Völler has now spoken about the German team’s attacking talents. At a press conference at the DFB squad’s training camp, he said: “We know that if we want to achieve our biggest goals, these players have to deliver. They know that themselves.”

However, he is confident that both players will return to their top form as quickly as possible. “I’m completely optimistic about that. They’re not far from reaching their peak form. Generally speaking, we have a team that, on its best days and when it pushes itself to the limit, can beat any team in the world,” said Völler.

But for that to happen, all the players will have to dig even deeper—that much is certain. In the case of Bayern star Musiala, many agree that he needs a sense of accomplishment at a crucial moment so that the lingering uncertainty in his game finally gives way to a sense of ease.