Germany began their World Cup preparations with almost their full squad during the first team training session ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and forward Kai Havertz were the only two players absent from Monday’s training, with the remaining 24 players available to head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Neuer is recovering from a minor calf injury as he continues his return to the national team following his retirement announcement in 2024. Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, initially expected to be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, stepped in to start in training and will likely guard the net in the upcoming tune-up match against Finland on Sunday.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz was also absent from Monday’s session, as he remains focused on the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday. He is expected to join the squad on Tuesday once the team travels to the United States.

Germany is preparing for a Group E campaign that kicks off on June 14 against Curaçao, with subsequent matches against Ivory Coast on June 20 and Ecuador on June 25. Despite Neuer’s current injury, he is anticipated to be fit and ready to start in the tournament opener.

Coach Nagelsmann has the benefit of nearly all his players available as the team builds momentum ahead of the World Cup, with key players returning and the squad gearing up for important friendlies and the tournament itself.