Goalkeeping sensation? World Cup plans at the DFB around Bayern keeper Urbig | OneFootball

Surprising mind games at the DFB? Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig could suddenly play a role in national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup plans

The goalkeeping hierarchy in the German national team has seemed clear of late, with Oliver Baumann having established himself as number one, followed by Alexander Nübel and, most recently, Noah Atubolu and Finn Dahmen

However, discussions behind the scenes are apparently more intense than expected. National coach Julian Nagelsmann himself attracted attention in an interview with kicker when he spoke about the goalkeeping question behind Baumann: „This is actually the position that we discuss the most in the coaching calls.“

According to information from BILD, there is even a concrete thought process at the DFB: Bayern keeper Jonas Urbig could travel to the 2026 World Cup as number three or four

The idea behind this would primarily be a plan for the future of the German national team. Urbig is considered a possible long-term candidate to succeed Manuel Neuer in the DFB goal. A World Cup appearance in the USA, Canada and Mexico (11 June to 19 July) could provide the 22-year-old with important tournament experience early on

His development at FC Bayern also speaks in his favor. Since his move from Cologne in January 2025, Urbig has already made more appearances than originally expected. In total, he has already stood between the posts for Munich 23 times in around 14 months

Urbig is a strong substitute for Neuer at FC Bayern

Especially in phases when Manuel Neuer was absent due to injury, Urbig impressed as a reliable deputy. The young keeper is regarded internally as an extremely professional substitute who goes full throttle in training and is immediately on hand in games when he is needed

photo: IMAGO

Urbig even had to stand in for Neuer at half-time twice recently and was immediately present on both occasions. As Neuer is currently out again with a torn muscle fibre in his calf, the Bayern keeper should get more minutes of action in the coming weeks

If Urbig seizes this opportunity, his chances of making the World Cup could increase further.