Jürgen Klopp intends to call up VfB Stuttgart's Dženan Pejčinović to the Germany national team. The new manager is initiating a rebuild following Germany's disappointing 2026 World Cup exit against Paraguay in a penalty shootout, as reported by Bavarian Football Works.
Germany was knocked out on June 29, 2026, in Foxborough after a 1-1 draw went to penalties. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer subsequently retired from international football for good. Defender Jonathan Tah, who missed a crucial spot-kick, stated: "My general approach is to prepare myself for situations like that. In life, you’re always going to experience difficult moments and setbacks." The team currently sits 1st in their World Cup group with 6 points from 3 games, having scored 10 goals and conceded 4.
What will Klopp's squad look like?
Jürgen Klopp took over after Julian Nagelsmann's departure. The former Liverpool boss is clearly focusing on a generational shift. Dr. Constantin Eckner, a German football journalist and tactical analyst, expects Klopp to concentrate on younger players for the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. A first step is the reported call-up of Dženan Pejčinović from VfB Stuttgart, as noted by Sport Bild.
The goalkeeping situation is also in flux. The 40-year-old Manuel Neuer, who hailed Jonas Urbig as Germany's future number one, is now retired. Oliver Baumann, who was benched for Neuer at the World Cup, received an apology from Nagelsmann for that decision. The team's recent form shows three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Denys Undav leads the internal scoring chart with 3 goals in 4 appearances.
What were the key moments of the 2026 World Cup?
The tournament in North America ended a remarkable streak. From 1982 to 2022, every World Cup Final featured at least one Bayern Munich player. That run ended in 2026. The semifinals saw France face Spain and England play Argentina, with Spain and Argentina advancing.
During the tournament, Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari joined Bayern Munich. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Oliver Kahn were displeased with Jamal Musiala's lack of reaction. Philipp Lahm emphasized that Germany does not need to copy Spain. Jonas Urbig, who was part of Germany's practice squad, reflected positively: "We were all knocked out together; I was part of the group."
Which external factors are influencing the DFB?
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had proposed a plan to sell rights to major tournaments to private investors. The proposed FIFA company was valued at approximately $20 billion, with a 20% stake to be sold. After backlash from UEFA and CONCACAF, the plan was scrapped. Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer expressed relief over this decision. CONCACAF may now even challenge the FIFA presidency.
What's next for the national team?
The immediate focus is on the next fixture. Germany plays an away match against the Netherlands on September 24, 2026. All upcoming fixtures can be viewed on our fixtures page. Klopp must shape the squad for EURO 2028, balancing experienced players with new talents like Pejčinović. The current statistic of 10 goals scored and 4 conceded demonstrates an offensive strength that needs to be maintained. The full squad overview and further data is available on our squad page. The path forward is defined, but the challenges in top-level international football remain significant.
