Germany’s national football team is undergoing significant changes with the inclusion of goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and the return of Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha. They will stay at the modern Innside Melia Ostend hotel in Frankfurt for upcoming matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary. Coach Julian Nagelsmann aims for success in the Nations League and the 2026 World Cup. Key players missing include Leroy Sané and Paul Wanner due to injury, while the squad gathers in Frankfurt for training.
Exciting Changes in the German National Team
The German national football team is set to make waves as they enter the next phase of goalkeeper selection. National coach Julian Nagelsmann has made a notable decision by including Stefan Ortega in the squad for the first time. Additionally, Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha are making a comeback, adding depth to the team.
New Base in the Vibrant Ostend District
The Ostend district in Frankfurt has seen a remarkable transformation, becoming increasingly popular since the European Central Bank established its headquarters there a decade ago. The area, once home to the historic Großmarkthalle, has embraced a new urban vibe that the German national team will experience during their upcoming international matches.
For their fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Freiburg on November 16 and Hungary in Budapest three days later, the team will be lodging at the modern Innside Melia Ostend hotel. This change comes as the previous venue lacked sufficient accommodation to host the large DFB delegation. Positioned near the impressive ECB building, which towers at 201 meters, the hotel offers a fitting backdrop for the squad.
Coach Nagelsmann is focused on achieving significant milestones, stating, “We aim to secure group victory in the Nations League after our early qualification for the quarter-finals, ideally in front of our fans in Freiburg.” He views reaching the Final Four as a crucial step on the path to the 2026 World Cup.
Stefan Ortega’s selection is particularly intriguing. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, currently a backup for Brazil’s Ederson, made a strong impression last season and was even considered for the third goalkeeper spot during the European Championship due to his exceptional ball distribution skills. Ortega replaces Janis Blaswich, who was called up last minute in October following Bernd Leno’s request for guaranteed playing time. The competition for the starting position intensifies between Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel, with Baumann slightly ahead according to Nagelsmann.
Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha are thrilled to return to the national setup. Following a tough period, Borussia Dortmund’s contingent is rebuilding, with Nmecha having “stabilized at BVB” and Brandt returning after commendable performances. The duo was last part of the team during the setbacks against Turkey and Austria a year ago. Whether Brandt can thrive under Nagelsmann’s guidance remains to be seen.
Notably absent from the squad is Leroy Sané, who is still regaining match fitness after a break, along with Paul Wanner, who is currently on loan from Bayern to 1. FC Heidenheim. Nagelsmann expressed interest in including Wanner, but injury adjustments have reshaped the lineup. Key players like Marc-André ter Stegen, Niclas Füllkrug, Jamie Leweling, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and David Raum are also on the injury list, with Deniz Undav and Kai Havertz’s availability being assessed after their respective injuries.
As the team prepares for these significant matches, the focus will soon shift to the World Cup qualifying draw. With their recent success in the Nations League, Germany has secured a place among the seeded teams for the draw scheduled for December 13 in Zurich.
The squad will assemble on Monday in Frankfurt rather than their usual training ground in Herzogenaurach. This decision aims to circumvent ongoing construction at the main train station, although challenges remain on the route to the DFB campus in Niederrad. The first press conference with Nagelsmann is set for 3 PM, followed by a fan-attended training session an hour later.
Here is the squad for the upcoming matches:
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart), Stefan Ortega Moreno (Manchester City)
Defense: Robin Gosens (AC Florence), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstädt (VfB Stuttgart), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfield: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Chris Führich (VfB Stuttgart), Pascal Groß (Borussia Dortmund), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (VfB Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Attack: Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (FC Arsenal), Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)