The group stage of the 2026 World Cup is over. The Bayern stars largely made a good impression. But not all of them managed to qualify for the knockout stage with their teams.
The large DFB contingent is set to compete in the round of 32. Although Manuel Neuer, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Jamal Musiala haven’t yet fully convinced with the German national team, they’ve secured a spot in the round of 32 and will face Paraguay there.
But how did the other players from the record-holding champions fare?
FC Bayern: Kim Already Eliminated
The World Cup was very disappointing for Min-jae Kim. The South Korean defender was eliminated along with his team, even though the group was actually quite manageable. South Korea is disappointed; Kim will now go on vacation and be one of the first players to start preseason training.
That won’t be the case for Dayot Upamecano. He’s won every match with the French team, performed at a high level, and has his sights set on the World Cup title. Meanwhile, Hiroki Ito looks incredibly fit; he’s also in the round of 32 with Japan, where they’ll face Brazil, and is hoping for an upset after a strong group stage.
Alphonso Davies hasn’t played yet due to injury but will step onto the field for Canada in the Round of 16. Josip Stanisic, who set up a goal for Croatia, is also in the knockout stage and will face Portugal there after a mediocre group stage. The Austrians, led by Konrad Laimer, made things particularly exciting, securing their spot only in the final minute. Laimer played a key role in that.
Olise and Kane are gunning for the title
Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, whom FC Bayern plans to sign permanently this summer, has also helped Senegal advance to the next round. He, along with current Bayern player Nicolas Jackson, will face the Belgian national team. Neither has played a major role so far, however.
Luis Díaz had a very solid group stage with Colombia and even scored a goal himself. In the Round of 32, they’ll now face Ghana, with Colombia as the favorite.
Michael Olise and Harry Kane, the remaining two Bayern players, have performed very well at the World Cup so far. Both France and England won their groups, and both are among the top contenders for the title. Kane has even contributed three goals for the English national team.