Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig makes DFB history at the World Cup | OneFootball

Jonas Urbig is not officially part of the German national team’s 26-man World Cup squad. Nevertheless, the FC Bayern goalkeeper was right in the middle of the DFB team’s official group photo—and in doing so, wrote a small piece of DFB history.

Before training on Wednesday, the German national team gathered for the official team photo of the 2026 World Cup. One detail immediately caught the eye: alongside the 26 nominated players, Jonas Urbig was also visible in the picture.

The 22-year-old has thus created a first. Although FIFA allows a maximum squad of 26 players for the tournament, Urbig was the 27th player in the official team photo of the DFB squad.

Nagelsmann is counting on four goalkeepers

The reason is simple: National Team coach Julian Nagelsmann made a conscious decision to take a fourth goalkeeper to the U.S. Urbig is primarily there to support training and ensure that goalkeeper sessions and practice matches can be conducted under optimal conditions.

Especially during a long tournament with a heavy workload, an additional keeper provides important flexibility.

But the Bayern keeper fulfills another function as well.

Should one of the three official goalkeepers—Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, or Alexander Nübel—get injured during the tournament, the DFB could nominate a replacement goalkeeper. In that case, Urbig would already be on site, fully up to speed with training, and ready to play immediately.

Such a precautionary measure seems entirely sensible. Manuel Neuer, in particular, began World Cup preparations with a calf injury and had to miss the friendly matches against Finland and the U.S.

Neuer on the verge of a comeback

Photo: Getty Images

However, the outlook has improved significantly in the meantime.

The 40-year-old has now fully rejoined team training and has even recently participated in full-scale practice matches alongside his teammates. As things stand, there is every indication that Neuer will make his long-awaited comeback in the DFB goal on Sunday against Curaçao.

For Urbig, this likely means he will remain in the role of training and backup goalkeeper for the time being. Nevertheless, his inclusion on the trip shows just how highly the FC Bayern goalkeeper is now regarded by the DFB.

Even though Urbig is not officially part of the World Cup squad, he is gaining valuable experience at the highest international level.

The young goalkeeper works daily with Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, and Alexander Nübel and gains direct insight into the workings of a major tournament. For his future development, this time could be just as valuable as playing on the field.

And who knows: if a goalkeeper were to drop out during the tournament, Jonas Urbig would already be ready to step in—and the 27th man could suddenly become an official World Cup participant.