Historic Bayern dominance possible: up to nine FCB stars at the 2026 World Cup? | OneFootball

The German national team showed real World Cup form in their 6-0 thumping of Slovakia – and FC Bayern could play a decisive role in next summer’s tournament. Under Julian Nagelsmann, the DFB team could travel to the World Cup with one of the biggest Bayern blocks in history.

A look at the past shows that major tournaments with a strong club block have often been the key to winning the title. In 1954, five players from 1. FC Kaiserslautern made up the starting XI for the World Cup, in 1974 and 2014 there were six and seven Bayern professionals respectively in the final squad. Even in 1990, under FCB legend Franz Beckenbauer, Munich had the most international players in the squad with six players.

This pattern could repeat itself in 2026. Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann already recognizes the value of a functioning Bayern squad: „It’s very good that they are so stable and defend well, that they have a good spirit. We need that spirit too,“ Nagelsmann explained recently.

There are currently five Bayern players in the squad – but this number could rise significantly in the summer.

Goalkeeper question: Will Manuel Neuer return?

photo: IMAGO

The most exciting personnel issue concerns Manuel Neuer. The Bayern captain is in outstanding form, while Marc-André ter Stegen is still injured at FC Barcelona and has lost his starting place. Nagelsmann emphasizes that ter Stegen is still his number one – if he gets enough match practice.

According to Sport BILD, there have already been initial talks between Rudi Völler and Neuer. If ter Stegen fails due to his situation at Barcelona, a spectacular comeback for Neuer will be on the cards. The FCB keeper would be 40 years old by the World Cup – but still world class.

Defense: Kimmich, Tah – and the Bayern youngsters?

Joshua Kimmich and Jonathan Tah are set in defence. Should Dayot Upamecano leave FC Bayern, BVB captain Nico Schlotterbeck could even complete Munich’s central defence – a possible World Cup duo for 2026, a tournament that is very popular with fans when it comes to sports betting.

There is an exciting prospect on the flanks: Kimmich will probably remain indispensable on the right due to a lack of alternatives, while Tom Bischof could be the surprise of the tournament on the left.

The 20-year-old recently impressed at Bayern as a left-back, although he is actually at home in midfield. His flexibility opens up tactical options for Nagelsmann – and his chances at the World Cup increase.

Central midfield: Pavlovic and Goretzka have the advantage

Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leon Goretzka are currently considered the most likely duo in the defensive center. Both have been playing together in the DFB squad for months, have a clear Bayern chemistry and already impressed in the qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

Nagelsmann values their interplay and sees them ahead of rivals such as Angelo Stiller or Robert Andrich – another reason why the Bayern block could grow.

Offense: Musiala, Gnabry – and Lennart Karl as a secret weapon

photo: IMAGO

Serge Gnabry is in strong form and should have his World Cup place secured. The same applies to Jamal Musiala – assuming his rehab is successful.

Particularly exciting: Lennart Karl, 17 years young, Champions League-tested and with outstanding dynamism. Many experts already see him ahead of Said El-Mala. Karl could become the „Odonkor 2006“ of the new generation – a joker for special moments.

There is no Bayern candidate at striker, however, with Harry Kane blocking the position at the club – Nick Woltemade could therefore take on an important role for the DFB.

Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Pavlovic, Goretzka, Musiala, Gnabry, Bischof, Karl – up to nine Bayern players could travel to the 2026 World Cup.

Such a framework would be historic – and could become the decisive key to a successful tournament mission in the USA, Canada and Mexico.