Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen faces long odds of making Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, according to national coach Julian Nagelsmann. The keeper, sidelined by a recurring hamstring injury, underwent surgery in February and has yet to fully return to action.
Currently on loan at Girona, Ter Stegen's rehabilitation is ongoing but slow. Nagelsmann noted the keeper is no longer in significant pain but stressed the recovery timeline remains lengthy, especially given Ter Stegen is no longer in his early twenties. This combination makes his World Cup inclusion highly unlikely, though the coach hasn't entirely ruled it out.
Uncertainty surrounds the exact timing of Ter Stegen’s return to competitive football. Girona’s head coach recently confirmed the player is back in Barcelona and didn’t provide specific updates on his progress.
The situation impacts both Ter Stegen’s international prospects and his role at club level. A successful return to form will be critical for his career trajectory and Germany’s future goalkeeper options.
