Marc-André ter Stegen is still aiming for a return to national team before FIFA World Cup
The former FC Barcelona star hasn’t given up on a return to the national team quite yet.
Stuttgart, Germany - June 8: goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen of Germany looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2025 Third Place Match match between Germany and France at Stuttgart Arena on June 8, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images You read that right. Julian Nagelsmann and the German national team might be finding themselves once again in a goalkeeper dilemma.
After ter Stegen seemingly was finally ruled out of playing at the World Cup, the former Girona goalkeeper seems determined to make a return to the squad before this summer’s tournament. Marc-André ter Stegen on whether he still believes in his World Cup chances: “At the moment I’m far from that. I feel quite good and we have to do everything we can to keep me healthy.
At the end of the season we’ll see if I can make it, but it’s difficult. Normally, with this kind of injury you’re out for a while. I won’t force anything, because health is the most important thing.
But of course the desire to be at a World Cup and have that experience is unique,” via @som3cat as captured by @iMiaSanMia . While it will ultimately be Nagelsmann’s decision to make and not ter Stegen come May, this is an unforeseen circumstance as it finally seemed like Oliver Baumann was confirmed by Nagelsmann to be Germany’s #1 for the 2026 World Cup. Despite a poor performance against the Swiss, Nagelsmann still backed the Hoffenheim goalkeeper despite an emerging Jonas Urbig and a legendary performance from Manuel Neuer against Real Madrid.