Kai Havertz is expected to return to Germany’s starting line-up for Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match against the United States in Chicago.
Nagelsmann Plans Havertz Starting Role
According to Sport1, coach Julian Nagelsmann plans to start Havertz as a central striker as Germany continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This selection suggests the 27-year-old has fully recovered from his recent workload after the UEFA Champions League final and is ready to play a leading role at the tournament.
Havertz’s Strong Season Ahead of World Cup
Havertz enters the World Cup after a productive season with Arsenal, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances. He also opened the scoring in Arsenal’s Champions League final win over Paris Saint-Germain.
For Germany, Havertz is one of Nagelsmann’s most trusted attacking options, with 51 caps, 18 goals, and 10 assists for the four-time world champions.
Havertz’s Previous World Cup Experience
At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he scored twice in Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica, though the team exited in the group stage.
Neuer Remains Sidelined for USA Clash
While Havertz is set to return, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is expected to remain sidelined.
The 40-year-old continues his individual recovery as Germany manages a calf injury that has delayed his return.
Baumann Ready for Another Opportunity
Neuer missed Germany’s recent 4-0 win over Finland and is likely to miss the USA match as well.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper remains one of the most decorated players in Germany’s history, having won the 2014 World Cup and accumulated 117 international appearances.
Across four World Cup tournaments, Neuer has made 19 appearances and kept seven clean sheets.
Deniz Undav Drops to the Bench
Meanwhile, Deniz Undav is expected to return to the bench despite his excellent form.
The Stuttgart striker scored twice in Germany’s win over Finland and is enjoying his best season, with 25 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances for VfB Stuttgart.
A minor injury forced his early withdrawal in that match, and Nagelsmann now appears ready to restore Havertz to the starting XI as Germany finalize preparations for the World Cup.