Emre Can

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Emre Can: World Cup 2026 Prospects Clouded by Injury, but Leadership Remains

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, the prospects for veteran German midfielder and occasional defender Emre Can (32 years old, born January 11, 1994) have been significantly impacted by a recent cruciate ligament injury. While his leadership and versatility remain valued, his recovery timeline will be crucial for his inclusion in Julian Nagelsmann's squad.

Current Form & Season Performance

Emre Can's 2025-2026 season with Borussia Dortmund saw him primarily deployed as a center-back, showcasing his adaptability. Prior to his injury, he recorded respectable statistics in the Bundesliga, featuring in 9 matches and scoring 3 goals, all of which were penalties. He maintained an average FotMob rating of 7.36 over 621 minutes played in the league. His goal involvement stood at 0.43 per 90 minutes. Can also received 3 yellow cards in the Bundesliga season. In the UEFA Champions League, he made 6 appearances, starting in 2, with an average rating of 6.61, but did not record any goals or assists in that competition this season.

Notable recent matches from early 2026 include a 3-0 away win against Union Berlin on January 24, where he played 69 minutes, scored a goal, received a yellow card, and earned an 8.2 FotMob rating. He also featured in a 3-0 home win against Werder Bremen on January 13, playing 45 minutes, and a 3-3 draw away at Eintracht Frankfurt on January 9, where he received a yellow card in his 14 minutes on the pitch. Unfortunately, his season was cut short in late February 2026 when he suffered a cruciate ligament tear during a match against Bayern Munich, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and delaying his return until the next season.

World Cup 2026 Prospects

Emre Can's chances of featuring in the FIFA World Cup 2026 are now heavily dependent on his recovery from the cruciate ligament injury sustained in February 2026. Borussia Dortmund confirmed in March 2026 that he would be sidelined for several months, with his return expected "next season." This places his rehabilitation squarely in the build-up to the World Cup, which concludes in July 2026.

As of March 2026, Can has earned 48 caps and scored 2 goals for the German national team. He was part of the Germany squad for UEFA Euro 2024, called up as a replacement for the injured Aleksandar Pavlović, and even scored a goal in the opening 5-1 victory against Scotland. This demonstrates his continued relevance to the national team setup when fit. Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup is expected to be a blend of experienced players and young talent, with key figures like Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger, as well as rising stars Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, anticipated to play significant roles. Can's experience and versatility would typically make him a valuable asset, particularly in a holding midfield or defensive role where Germany often seeks stability. However, the depth in central midfield with players like Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Felix Nmecha, alongside defensive options like Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck, means competition is fierce. His age, 32, is not prohibitive but means his recovery must be complete and his form exceptional to secure a spot over younger, fully fit alternatives.

Playing Style & Tactical Analysis

Emre Can is known for his physicality, defensive prowess, and versatility to operate across various positions. He primarily functions as a defensive midfielder or center-back, a role he has increasingly occupied at Borussia Dortmund in the 2025-2026 season.

Strengths:

• Defensive Contributions: Can excels in winning duels (53.1% won this season) and aerial duels (54.5% won), making 12 tackles, 16 interceptions, and 36 clearances in the Bundesliga this season. His defensive IQ has been highlighted, stemming from his experience playing in various defensive roles throughout his career.
• Physicality and Ball Carrying: His strong frame allows him to dispossess opponents effectively and carry the ball forward, often showcasing deceptive skill and good footwork for his size. This season, he completed 60% of his 3 attempted dribbles.
• Leadership: As Borussia Dortmund's captain, he brings valuable experience and leadership to the squad.

Weaknesses:

• Progressive Passing: While generally good in possession with an 86.2% successful pass rate, he can sometimes opt for simpler passes rather than consistently trying to progress the ball further up the pitch.
• Tactical Discipline: At times, his defensive approach has been described as focusing on individual battles rather than the overall team defensive structure, occasionally leading to a lack of support for teammates when the midfield line is breached.
• Mobility: Despite good acceleration for his size, his general lack of mobility can sometimes be exploited by agile dribblers.

Key Stats & Milestones

• Age: 32 years old (born January 11, 1994)
• National Team Caps: 48 caps for Germany (as of March 2026)
• National Team Goals: 2 goals for Germany
• Borussia Dortmund 2025-2026 Bundesliga Stats (prior to injury):
• Appearances: 9
• Minutes Played: 621
• Goals: 3 (all penalties)
• Assists: 0
• FotMob Rating: 7.36
• Yellow Cards: 3
• Successful Pass %: 86.2%
• Duels Won %: 53.1%
• Aerial Duels Won %: 54.5%
• Borussia Dortmund 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League Stats (prior to injury):
• Appearances: 6
• Starts: 2
• Goals: 0
• Assists: 0
• Rating: 6.61
• Career Milestones:
• Won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup with Germany.
• Won the DFB Pokal with Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
• Extended his contract with Borussia Dortmund until June 30, 2027, in March 2026.

Expert Predictions

Direct expert predictions regarding Emre Can's specific chances for the World Cup 2026 are limited, largely due to the timing of his significant injury in February 2026. Before his injury, he was seen as a versatile and experienced option for Germany, as evidenced by his call-up and goal at Euro 2024.

General predictions for the German national team at the 2026 World Cup suggest they are considered one of Europe's traditional powerhouses and possess a high-quality squad blending young talent with veterans. Germany has a 5.84% chance of winning the tournament according to an Opta supercomputer. Experts note that coach Julian Nagelsmann has assembled a balanced team.

However, Can's recovery from a cruciate ligament tear will be the overriding factor. While Borussia Dortmund's sporting director, Lars Ricken, emphasized Can's importance and stated the club would support his recovery, his ability to regain full fitness and form by the World Cup in mid-2026 remains to be seen. Pundits will likely be observing his return to club football closely. If he can make a strong comeback early in the 2026-2027 club season, his experience and leadership could still earn him a spot, especially if Nagelsmann values a defensive-minded, versatile player in the squad. Otherwise, the German midfield and defense are highly competitive, potentially leaving little room for a player still finding his rhythm after a major injury.