Wirtz and Kimmich headline Germany squad for Nations League finals

Germany have published their 26-man squad for the Nations League semi-finals against Portugal next month.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has handed maiden call-ups to Tom Bischof and Nick Woltemade.

Bischof recently concluded an impressive 2024/25 campaign with Hoffenheim, establishing himself as one of the most promising midfielders in the Bundesliga.

The 19-year-old is set to join Bayern Munich ahead of the Club World Cup after penning a long-term contract with them in January.

Woltemade has turned everyone’s attention with his stellar performances for Stuttgart, racking up 16 goals and three assists in all competitions.

He is looking to finish the season on a high when Stuttgart face Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB Pokal final this weekend.

Several Bayern players have made the cut, including Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka.

Jamal Musiala is one of the notable absentees due to fitness concerns. The Bayern youngster has been sidelined since suffering a muscle strain during a game against Augsburg last month.

Bayern decided not to allow Musiala to leave for international duty as they want him to recover completely for the Club World Cup.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz will spearhead the attack, while Niclas Fullkrug has also returned to the squad.

Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri and Pascal Gross add quality and depth to the midfield.

The backline misses star names like Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck due to injuries.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has returned to the fold, having recently recovered from a knee injury.

Ter Stegen will reclaim his number one spot for Die Mannschaft, with Alexander Nubel and Oliver Baumann as his deputies.

Germany will face Portugal on June 4. The winners meet France and Spain in the final.