Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has announced that Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will serve as the primary goalkeeper for the upcoming UEFA Nations League finals. Hoffenheim`s Oliver Baumann and VfB Stuttgart`s Alexander Nübel are confirmed as the backup options.
Ter Stegen`s last appearance for the German national team was on September 10, 2024, in a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. He subsequently suffered a right knee ligament rupture 12 days later during a league match for Barcelona. The former Borussia Mönchengladbach player, who now has 42 international caps, returned to club action in May, starting two of the final five matches of Barcelona`s 2024/25 La Liga-winning season.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Nagelsmann commented on Ter Stegen`s readiness: “I`ve had many conversations with Marc; his training form is excellent. Although he hasn`t played extensively recently, his age and experience mean he doesn`t need peak match rhythm immediately. This would be a concern for a younger player, but he possesses significant experience and has been training fully with the squad for a considerable period, performing exceptionally well. I am highly confident that he will deliver two top performances.”
During ter Stegen`s absence from the national team setup, Baumann earned his first four senior international caps, while Nübel made two appearances. Both contributed to Germany`s undefeated run that led them to the Nations League Final Four.
Germany will face Portugal in the semi-finals in Munich on June 4th. The winner of that match will advance to the final on June 8th, also held at the Allianz Arena, to play against either Spain or France. The teams that lose their semi-final matches will compete for third place at Stuttgart`s MHP Arena on the same day.
Germany is seeking to secure its first-ever Nations League title, having never previously progressed beyond the group stage of the competition. Following the Nations League tournament, the four-time world champions will shift their focus to the qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they are drawn into Group A alongside Luxembourg, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia.
