Girona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has hinted at a possible chance of making the cut for the 2026 World Cup, but his participation with the German national team remains uncertain and ultimately rests with coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Ter Stegen suffered an injury just days after joining Girona on loan from Barcelona, requiring surgery that significantly hampered his chances of playing for his club this season and, consequently, participating in the tournament scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The German national team coach had previously announced that Oliver Baumann would be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, with Alexander Nübel as his backup. The third-choice goalkeeper position will remain undecided until the final squad announcement in May.
Ter Stegen spoke for the first time since his injury, addressing the pressing question of his potential participation in the World Cup. He said, “The most important thing is for me to be healthy, and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season. It’s complicated. I won’t rush things because health is paramount, but I want to participate in the World Cup.”
He added, “The injury is improving well, I’m feeling normal, I feel good, and I’m moving easily.”
He concluded, “It doesn’t depend solely on me, but also on the national team coach and the doctors. There are many factors to consider, and I respect all the decisions that will be made. I’m completely calm.”
