With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching and only the DFB-Pokal final still to be played, Bayern Munich’s stars will soon turn their attention to North America, where several of them will have a strong chance of adding even more silverware to their collection.
National team squads are gradually being announced, with five Bayern players already knowing they will be heading to this summer’s showpiece after earning places in their respective squads. Due to performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, we can expect many stars to follow.
Bayern Munich could have one of the biggest World Cup contingents
There could be around 19 Bayern players at the World Cup, representing 11 different countries. Obviously, Germany will have a strong contingent of the Bundesliga champions, but Austria, France, Croatia, and Colombia could all have representatives from the club.
Bayern fans will have plenty to keep an eye on during the tournament, with the club’s players representing nations across eight of the 14 groups. There could also be several intriguing head-to-head clashes among Bayern players, including France vs Senegal in Group I, Portugal vs Colombia in Group K, and England vs Croatia in Group L.
Every Bayern player expected at the 2026 World Cup
Vincent Kompany's side will no doubt be heavily represented at the tournament.
Country | Players | Description |
|---|---|---|
Austria | Konrad Laimer | One of their stars is guaranteed, if fit |
Canada | Alphonso Davies | Injury doubt but expected to be selected |
Colombia | Luis Diaz | Star for his country |
England | Harry Kane | Guaranteed to lead the line |
Germany | Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović , Leon Goretzka, Jonathan Tah, Lennart Karl and Manuel Neuer | Multiple Bayern stars are expected to be in Julian Nagelsmann roster. |
Portugal | Raphaël Guerreiro, Joao Palhinha | Potentials in the squad |
Senegal | Nicolas Jackson | The big name up front is likely to be selected |
Every confirmed Bayern player who is heading to the World Cup
The players confirmed to be going to the World Cup
Country | Player | Description |
|---|---|---|
Croatia | Josip Stanisic | Likely to have starting role |
France | Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano | One of the favourites to win the World Cup |
Japan | Hiroki Itō | A dark-horse for the tournament |
South Korea | Kim Min-jae | One of the leaders of his nation |
Which countries are most heavily represented?
Unsurprisingly, Germany are expected to have the largest Bayern Munich contingent at the tournament. Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlović all appear likely to make the squad, while there remain question marks surrounding Manuel Neuer due to injury and his previous international retirement. Youngsters Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof could also be outside contenders for a call-up.
With six players potentially included in the squad, Bayern Munich are set to be the most heavily represented Bundesliga club in Germany’s roster, which is otherwise expected to feature a mix of stars from the country’s other top sides as well as several Premier League-based players.
France and Portugal are each set to feature two Bayern representatives. Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano have already been confirmed in France’s squad, while Raphaël Guerreiro and out on-loan midfielder João Palhinha are both expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal setup.
The biggest stars to watch at the World Cup
Harry Kane will once again carry much of England’s hopes on his shoulders as he looks to replicate the prolific form he has shown this season and fire the Three Lions deep into the tournament. A former World Cup Golden Boot winner, Kane is central to England’s ambitions in North America.
France, meanwhile, head into the competition as one of the favourites. Fresh off winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, Michael Olise is expected to feature prominently on the right wing, potentially forming a formidable attacking trio alongside Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, with Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola waiting in the wings.
While Senegal may not be among the tournament favourites, they are widely regarded as Africa’s strongest contenders. With their pace, athleticism and technical quality, the Lions of Teranga will hope an in-form Nicolas Jackson can provide the finishing touch in front of goal. An outside chance of the departing striker to put himself in the shop window by having a prolific tournament.
Young players who could break out in 2026
The possible inclusion of Lennart Karl has sparked considerable debate within Germany, and if Julian Nagelsmann does hand the 18-year-old a place in the squad, it could offer the rising star the perfect opportunity to make his mark on the international stage and be the game-changer for Germany.
Another young player expected to play a key role for Germany is Aleksandar Pavlović, who has established himself as the side’s primary defensive midfielder and will be tasked with shielding the back line throughout their Group E campaign.
Players who may miss out on World Cup selection
The most notable omission from Germany’s squad is Serge Gnabry, with the Bayern winger ruled out after suffering a torn right adductor last month, an injury expected to keep him sidelined until after the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies is another major name facing an uncertain summer, with doubts growing over whether he will be fit enough to feature for Canada following the injury he sustained against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. While Canada remains hopeful their star can recover in time, concerns persist that the tournament could come too soon, which would represent another cruel setback for Davies.
When the 2026 World Cup squads will be confirmed
Julian Nagelsmann is set to name his Germany squad on 21 May, with the potential inclusion of Manuel Neuer likely to dominate discussion ahead of the announcement. Although the Bayern captain is currently sidelined through injury, reports suggest he is still expected to start the tournament as Germany’s number one goalkeeper.
England will announce their squad a day later, while Portugal are set to reveal their selection on 19 May.
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