The goalkeeping question at the DFB is increasingly becoming the dominant topic ahead of the 2026 World Cup – and suddenly Jonas Urbig is also playing a surprisingly large role
According to consistent media reports, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has already informed Oliver Baumann that Manuel Neuer will be the number one for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico if he is fit enough. The Hoffenheim keeper will nevertheless remain part of the German squad
But that’s not all: according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the DFB is considering traveling to the World Cup with four goalkeepers instead of three
Urbig can hope for the World Cup
In addition to Neuer and Oliver, two other Bayern keepers, Alexander Nübel and Jonas Urbig, could also travel to the tournament
Urbig’s possible nomination in particular would be a remarkable development. The 22-year-old moved to FC Bayern in the winter of 2025 and has impressed there with strong performances despite his role behind Manuel Neuer
The young goalkeeper is held in particularly high regard in Munich, where Urbig has long been regarded as the goalkeeper of the future by the record champions – which is probably one of the reasons why Bayern extended Manuel Neuer’s contract, also with a view to his role as a mentor for the youngster
A World Cup nomination would be the next major accolade for Urbig in a very short space of time
Nagelsmann apparently continues to rely on Bayern block
Julian Nagelsmann invited the keeper to the national team for the first time back in March, but Urbig had to pull out of the training course early due to a capsule injury. Now the Bayern goalkeeper could still jump on the World Cup bandwagon
Interestingly, Nagelsmann seems to want to rely more on a Bayern block in the goalkeeping department. With Neuer, Urbig and possibly also Nübel, there would be three keepers with a Bayern past or Bayern connection in the squad
It remains to be seen how the roles will be allocated, but one thing is clear: Neuer will be number one as things stand, provided his calf problems do not reveal a more serious injury
The final decision will be made on Thursday, when Julian Nagelsmann will present his official 26-man squad for the World Cup
Until then, the discussion surrounding Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann and Jonas Urbig is likely to continue to provide plenty to talk about.