Oliver Baumann expected to be named Germany’s first choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup

In an interview with kicker, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has hinted that Oliver Baumann will be the first-choice goalkeeper in the summer.

The Hoffenheim keeper has been the first choice following the retirement of Manuel Neuer after the 2024 Euros, as well as the injury problems of his replacement, Marc-André ter Stegen.

When pushed to answer if Baumann will be number one in the summer, Nagelsmann said:

“Oli will be in goal in March and will do well again. Nevertheless, my job is always to assess the overall situation. I already said at the Nations League draw that one factor is Marc, and the other is that Oli did exceptionally well in the World Cup qualifiers and is also doing very well now in the league. He hardly has any goal involvements where he makes a clear mistake, and he also makes the occasional impossible save.”

Later adding:

“If Oli stays as healthy and stable as he is now, he’ll have a great World Cup. We have absolutely no concerns about the goalkeeper position. There are a few other areas where I have more concerns.”

Germany’s new number one, Oliver Baumann?

The 35-year-old has more or less unexpectedly found himself in this position following retirements and injuries, and despite the threat of younger keepers such as Alexander Nübel and talk about a return of Manuel Neuer to the national team, Baumann has continued to maintain his place in the starting 11.

Apart from the Nations League final four, where ter Stegen played, the 35-year-old has been the first-choice keeper for over a year now, and played in every single World Cup qualifier.

GGFN | Jack Meenan

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