Havertz Named in Germany’s 26‑Man World Cup Squad as Nagelsmann Urges Fitness

Late-season goals for Arsenal won Havertz a place on the squad with his recovery now the decisive factor for how Germany will use him

Overview

Germany confirmed their final 26-player World Cup squad on Thursday and included Arsenal forward Kai Havertz.
Manager Julian Nagelsmann publicly backed Havertz as a potential leading striker while urging him to stay healthy ahead of the tournament.
Havertz’s 2025–26 campaign was disrupted by knee and muscle problems that limited his league starts but he returned late and scored several match-winning goals for Arsenal.
Those late goals — including decisive strikes in the Champions League, the League Cup run, and a winner against Burnley that helped clinch the title — materially strengthened his selection case.
Havertz has 21 goals in 57 Germany caps and his fitness will affect both Germany’s forward choices and Arsenal’s selection decisions before the World Cup.