Germany’s national team will begin the World Cup year with two newcomers and six returning players in its first two friendlies. Coach Julian Nagelsmann, for the first time, selected U21 internationals Lennart Karl and Jonas Urbig-both with Bayern Munich-for the 26‑man squad. Returning to the squad are Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Anton Stach (Leeds United), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), and Deniz Undav plus Josha Vagnoman (both VfB Stuttgart).
The team gathers in Herzogenaurach on Monday. Germany will face Switzerland on 27 March in Basel and Ghana on 30 March in Stuttgart.
Their overall record against Switzerland shows 54 matches, with Germany winning 36, Switzerland winning 9, and 9 ending in draws. Against Ghana, the Germans have met three times. In a 1993 friendly in Bochum, Germany won 6‑1, and in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups they recorded a win and a draw, respectively. Ghana remains a four‑time African champion.