
Strategic Shift Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup rapidly approaching, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has made a decisive call regarding Joshua Kimmich’s role in the national team. Speaking at the International Coaching Congress in Leipzig, Nagelsmann confirmed that Kimmich will return to his natural position in central midfield.
“As things stand, he’ll move back to the number six role,” Nagelsmann said, citing limited preparation time ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “We simply don’t have the luxury of experimenting too much in that position.”
A Reliable Option in the Midfield
Kimmich, who regularly plays as a holding midfielder for Bayern Munich, had been utilized as a right-back during Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign on home soil. However, Nagelsmann made it clear that he now wants stability at the heart of his team. He emphasized that Kimmich is one of the few players with consistent game time in that role at club level, making him a vital piece in Germany’s World Cup plans.
“We need rhythm in the core of our game,” said Nagelsmann. “That’s why we’re only looking for the right partner to play alongside him.” The coach also expressed concern that many other midfield candidates lack regular playing time at their clubs, posing a potential risk.
Maximizing Kimmich’s Influence
Nagelsmann underlined the importance of having Kimmich back in a central role, where he believes the Bayern star can have a greater impact on the game. “He can influence the match more from the middle,” he stated, adding that Kimmich fits well into the team’s intended structure.
With Kimmich moving back into midfield, Nagelsmann acknowledged that Germany will need to explore new options for the right-back position. He mentioned several promising young players—Nathaniel Brown, Nnamdi Collins, and Max Rosenfelder—who impressed during the U21 European Championship.
Exploring New Defensive Solutions
Nagelsmann also opened the door to unconventional solutions for the full-back roles, including retraining offensive players to meet the physical and tactical demands of the flanks. “We don’t have a surplus of offensive players who feel comfortable running up and down the wing and playing close to the last defensive line,” he said.
Kimmich Decision Reinforced in Leipzig
Back in July, Nagelsmann made headlines with a bold statement: “We don’t have a right-back anywhere near Joshua’s level. That’s a fact.” His remarks at the Leipzig congress reinforced this view, as he once again confirmed Kimmich’s shift to midfield in an interview with Sky presenter Michael Leopold. “He’s one of two or three players who are guaranteed starters at club level. That matters.”
He continued, “Given how little time we have before the World Cup, we can’t afford to gamble with that position, especially when some players only get 30 to 50 percent of game time at their clubs. That’s the case for many others competing for that role.”
Still, Nagelsmann left some room for flexibility. “As of now, Josh will play as a number six. But if all the designated right-back options fail completely—which I don’t expect—we may have to reassess.”
Update on Ter Stegen’s Status
Nagelsmann also addressed the situation surrounding goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who has been sidelined for months and recently lost his starting spot at Barcelona. The coach described Ter Stegen’s current position as “incredibly unfortunate.”
“We’ve had excellent communication,” Nagelsmann said. “He understands the situation and can assess it realistically. If he’s healthy and the number one at his club, he remains our top choice in goal.”
Ter Stegen, 33, has recently been demoted to third-choice keeper by new Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, and Spanish media reports suggest the club may be planning to move him on.
Nagelsmann stressed the importance of Ter Stegen regaining match fitness and first-choice status at club level following his rehab. “He needs to get back into rhythm. He performed well in the Nations League and played two games for Barça, but he’ll need consistent starts once he’s fit again.”
With a year to go until the World Cup, Germany’s preparation is shifting into high gear—with clear roles, renewed confidence in key players, and a coach who’s unwilling to leave anything to chance.