Sports 8 sources · over 4 days Latest coverage 17 Sept 2026, 10:28 am UTC

Jürgen Klopp Names 44-Player Germany Squad, Excludes Key Veterans for First Matches

Germany's new national football coach Jürgen Klopp has announced a massive 44-man squad, introducing new faces and major omissions ahead of his debut matches, signaling a shift in team strategy.

By Fatima Al-Rashid · First published 17 Sept 2026 · Chapter 1 of 2

In brief

  1. Jürgen Klopp has selected 44 players for Germany's national football team, splitting them into two squads for upcoming matches.
  2. The squad includes 16 players who have never played for the national team before, highlighting a focus on fresh talent.
  3. Notable omissions from the squad are goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and striker Undav, as well as a prominent Stuttgart player.
  4. Klopp has named El Mala among his strikers, establishing new attacking options and clarifying his preferred goalkeeper.
  5. The team is preparing for four matches, including a Nations League game against the Netherlands, starting on September 24.
Jürgen Klopp Names 44-Player Germany Squad, Excludes Key Veterans for First Matches
Source: L'Équipe

Timeline · 5 moments

5 moments Open the full timeline →

Klopp signals El Mala selection and key exclusions

DIE WELT ↗

Reports confirm Undav and others left out by Klopp

DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und Debatten ↗

Kader announcement date and Sané decision revealed

DIE WELT ↗

Klopp names 44-player squad for first matches

DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und Debatten ↗

Klopp's squad includes 16 first-time call-ups

Arab News ↗

How it started

Jürgen Klopp, the new head coach of the German national football team, stepped into his role with high expectations. The German team has been under pressure to return to international prominence, and Klopp's appointment was seen as a bold move.

Ahead of his first matches, speculation grew about which players Klopp would choose, especially with the need for fresh strategies and renewed team spirit. The football community closely watched for signs of how Klopp would shape his squad and address recent disappointments.

How it unfolded

On September 15, reports surfaced that Klopp was leaning towards selecting El Mala as a striker and was planning to leave out some established names. This hinted at significant changes to the team's lineup.

By September 16, more details emerged, including that Klopp would not be picking Undav for the attack and that there were ongoing debates about which other players would make the cut. The anticipation built as fans waited to see if experienced players like Leroy Sané would be included.

On September 17, Klopp officially unveiled his first squad. He named a total of 44 players, split into two separate groups for his initial four matches. Sixteen of these players had never been called up to the national team before, marking a clear intent to inject new energy and test unproven talent.

Key omissions included goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and a notable Stuttgart player. El Mala was confirmed as one of the strikers, and Klopp clarified his choice of first-choice goalkeeper. The squad announcement set the tone for a new era, with a blend of experience and youth.

Where it stands

The German national team is now preparing for four important matches, starting with a Nations League fixture against the Netherlands on September 24. Klopp's large and diverse squad is training together, with many players getting their first taste of senior international football.

Discussions about team dynamics and Klopp's tactical approach continue, as fans and analysts watch to see how his selections will perform on the field. The decision to leave out established names in favor of new talent has sparked debate about the future direction of the team.

What to watch

The main focus now shifts to how Klopp's selections will perform in the upcoming matches and whether the new faces can make a lasting impact. Observers will be watching for signs of tactical changes and how quickly the team adapts to Klopp's leadership.

Written from 8 outlets' coverage of this story. Every timeline entry links to the original report.

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