Germany Tests Strength Against Ghana — Nagelsmann Plans for World Cup Without Musiala

Second World Cup Test at the MHP Arena

The German national football team will play its second international match of the March break this evening (8:45 PM CET, live on ARD) at Stuttgart's MHP Arena. Their opponent is four-time African champion Ghana, who stepped in at short notice for the originally planned Ivory Coast. Following the turbulent 4-3 victory against Switzerland last Thursday, head coach Julian Nagelsmann continues fine-tuning preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Musiala Ruled Out — Worries Ahead of World Cup

The biggest setback: Jamal Musiala is unavailable. The 23-year-old was cautiously removed from the squad after experiencing renewed pain in his previously operated left foot. The Bayern star had already missed the Champions League match against Atalanta Bergamo and the Bundesliga game against Bayer Leverkusen.

Nagelsmann expressed concern but remained pragmatic: The creative midfielder had "a slight reaction," which is normal but frustrating, "because he was on a good path." Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl emphasized that they want "a fully fit Jamal Musiala back." The clock is ticking: The preliminary World Cup squad is to be named in the second week of May.

New Faces in the Spotlight

Despite the prominent absence, the match against Ghana offers Nagelsmann the opportunity to test new options. Two Bayern talents are in the DFB squad for the first time:

• Jonas Urbig (22) — The goalkeeper impressed as a replacement for the injured Manuel Neuer and has earned his place behind the current number one, Oliver Baumann.
• Lennart Karl (18) — The right-back, who according to Nagelsmann "is an interesting player because he often seeks one-on-one situations and can cut inside with his left foot."

Also surprising: Anton Stach from Leeds United, who returns to the squad after a long absence, and Deniz Undav, who is back for the first time since June 2025.

Nübel in Goal — Nagelsmann Emphasizes Continuity

Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart will get his third international appearance in goal in front of his home crowd. The defensive line around Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to remain stable, while there will be rotation in midfield. In attack, Florian Wirtz and Serge Gnabry will form the creative wings behind center forward Kai Havertz.

Nagelsmann emphasized that this squad is "already very close" to his final World Cup selection. At the same time, he warned: "There will be decisions that probably won't be widely understood." The match against Ghana is less about experimenting and more about honing the team — solidifying processes in defense and attack.

Pressure on the German Team

Following the enthusiastic home European Championship in 2024, Germany is under particular scrutiny. The 2026 World Cup will show whether the team can confirm the form of the home tournament internationally. Two further friendlies against Finland and the USA will follow in early summer before the final 26-man squad must be submitted to FIFA. Time is running out — especially for Jamal Musiala.