Nagelsmann has a plan for Curaçao! Starting spot guaranteed for Bayern stars | OneFootball

The German national team is entering the final stretch of its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Ahead of the opening match against Curaçao, it is becoming increasingly clear which players Julian Nagelsmann will rely on. Particularly encouraging from FC Bayern’s perspective: numerous Munich players are expected to start the match.

Only a few days remain before the DFB squad’s first group stage match at the World Cup in North America. Preparations at the German team’s training camp are accordingly intense.

National team coach Julian Nagelsmann has recently ramped up the training workload once again and has focused more on tactical sequences, pressing mechanisms, and offensive play during the sessions. The goal is to prepare the team optimally for the World Cup opener against Curaçao.

In the process, it is becoming increasingly clear which players have earned the national team coach’s trust.

Bayern pros form the backbone

According to information from BILD, Nagelsmann has held several 11-on-11 training sessions in recent days. The formations tested during these sessions already provide clear indications of the planned starting lineup. Accordingly, a large Bayern contingent will start against Curaçao.

Joshua Kimmich is a lock as right back. Jonathan Tah is expected to start in central defense, while Aleksandar Pavlović is set to play a key role in central midfield. Jamal Musiala is once again slated to be the creative playmaker in the attack.

Manuel Neuer is also on the verge of his World Cup comeback.

The FC Bayern captain has overcome his calf issues and is now back training fully with the team. As things stand, he will replace Oliver Baumann and start in goal against Curaçao.

However, not all Bayern players can count on a starting spot. Leon Goretzka currently appears to be limited to a substitute role. The midfielder has already had to settle for a spot behind Pavlović and Felix Nmecha in the friendlies against Finland and the U.S.

Nagelsmann currently seems to be favoring different profiles in the center.

Brown set for first World Cup appearance

Photo: Getty Images

The situation surrounding Nathaniel Brown is particularly intriguing. The Frankfurt player is on the verge of a move to FC Bayern and could start on the left side of defense in his very first World Cup match. Based on recent training sessions, Brown appears to have the edge over David Raum of RB Leipzig.

For the 22-year-old, this would be another important step in his development and, at the same time, the perfect stage to showcase his talents once more just before his potential move to Munich.

Karl’s absence is a blow

The past few days have been less than ideal for Lennart Karl. The Bayern talent had to withdraw from the World Cup at the last minute due to a torn muscle and thus missed out on the chance to play in his first major tournament with the national team.

Serge Gnabry is also unavailable due to injury. Aside from the return of Manuel Neuer, Nagelsmann apparently has no plans for major changes to the lineup that secured the successful 2-1 friendly win against the U.S., as things stand.

The team is set to start the tournament with as much chemistry as possible.

For FC Bayern, this means that several Munich-based pros will take on key roles in the World Cup opener—and could play a decisive role in helping Germany get off to a successful start in the tournament.