Julian Brandt stays in Amsterdam, Ter Stegen returns for Nations

Germany called up 44 players on Thursday for the upcoming Nations‑League‑duels, but Ajax midfielder Julian Brandt remains in Amsterdam. Head coach Jürgen Klopp also allowed Marc‑André ter Stegen, the 34‑year‑old goalkeeper of Ajax, to return to the squad. The squad is split into two groups for the matches against the Netherlands, Greece, Serbia and later another fixture.

Klopp's first squad and debut

Jürgen Klopp makes his official debut as national team coach on 24 September when Germany faces the Oranje. The match takes place at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Later in the Nations League Germany plays Greece on 27 September and finishes against Serbia.

Ter Stegen gets a return

Marc‑André ter Stegen, 34, returns to the squad after an injury that forced his last international appearance in June 2025. He has a total of 44 caps to his name, most of them with Barcelona. German media say he remains the first choice as long as he performs well at Ajax, now that Manuel Neuer has retired after a disappointing World Cup.

For the match against the Netherlands, among others Florian Wirtz, Karim Adeyemi and Aleksandar Pavlovic are missing. Opposing them are Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala, who are present at the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Klopp splits Germany squad as Nations League opener looms

Besides ter Stegen, Klopp also has Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart) and Finn Dahmen (FC Augsburg) on the bench. In defence there are, among others, Yann Bisseck (Internazionale), Joshua Kimmich, Nathaniel Brown, Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich) and Hennes Behrens (FC Augsburg). The midfield includes Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz) and Kevin Schade (Brentford). In attack there are Kai Havertz (Arsenal) and Younes Ebnoutalib (Eintracht Frankfurt).

The 44 players are divided into two different squads for the four Nations‑League‑duels. Klopp wants with this setup to give as many talents from the Bundesliga and other leagues as possible the chance to prove themselves. The last two matches against Serbia (home) and Greece (away) also fall under the second squad.

Schwarz: DFB presents farewell shirt in Amsterdam for Klopp debut

Julian Brandt, who last played an international in November 2024, was omitted by Klopp and remains in Amsterdam with Ajax. His absence means that he will have no role in the national team in the coming weeks.