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 are 17 Bayern representatives at the World Cup, representing 10 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 and England vs Croatia in Group L.
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 |
Germany | Manuel Neuer, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala and Lennart Karl | The core Bayern German contingent involved |
Japan | Hiroki Itō | A dark-horse for the tournament |
South Korea | Kim Min-jae | One of the leaders of his nation |
Austria | Konrad Laimer | One of their best players |
Senegal | Nicolas Jackson | Expected name in the squad |
England | Harry Kane | England's number 9 |
Colombia | Luis Diaz | The star in the roster |
Canada | Alphonso Davies | Named in squad despite injury |
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 that the departing striker will 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 now Julian Nagelsmann has handed 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
Following Roberto Martinez’s announcement of the 26-man squad, Raphaël Guerreiro and Joao Palhinha are both not included in the squad. Bitter blows for the Portuguese pair who are both likely to leave the club in the summer.
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.
Despite being named in the squad, Alphonso Davies’ hamstring injury will keep him out of Canada’s opening match. However, if his rehabilitation does not go to plan, there is a possibility he could miss all three group-stage matches should Canada fail to qualify. It would be a cruel setback for the left-back, especially after missing the previous World Cup and with this tournament being hosted on home soil.
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