Emre Can

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Emre Can's 2026 FIFA World Cup Prospects: An Analysis

Emre Can, the 31-year-old Borussia Dortmund captain, faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in Germany's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While he has recently returned from a significant injury layoff and is a versatile player, recent national team selections and comments from head coach Julian Nagelsmann suggest he is currently not a primary choice for a midfield role.

Current Form and Club Performance

Can, born on January 12, 1994, is a seasoned midfielder who also offers the flexibility to play at center-back, a role he has frequently occupied for Borussia Dortmund, showcasing his determination, tactical intelligence, and strength in duels.

He recently made his comeback in November 2025 after being sidelined for nearly six months due to injury. His return saw him initially come off the bench before earning starting positions in subsequent matches. For the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he has played four matches, scoring one goal. He has also featured in the UEFA Champions League and DFB Pokal this season. Despite being pleased to be back on the pitch and completing full matches, Can acknowledged the need to regain his rhythm and confidence in his body following his injury. His contract with Borussia Dortmund is set to expire on June 30, 2026, with reports suggesting the club is keen to offer him a new deal, potentially a one-year extension, as he remains highly valued by the club's management and in the dressing room.

German National Team Prospects

Germany, under Julian Nagelsmann, is undergoing a transitional phase, aiming to blend youth with experienced players for the 2026 World Cup. Nagelsmann has emphasized the importance of squad balance and selecting players who are in good form and fit.

However, Emre Can was notably absent from the German national team squads announced for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in October and November 2025. In November 2025, Nagelsmann specifically addressed his midfield selections, stating that he views Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic as being "a tick in front" for the two defensive midfield positions. This direct statement indicates that other players are currently ahead of Can in the pecking order for his preferred position.

While Nagelsmann did call upon Can for the Euro 2024 squad in June 2024 as a replacement for an injured player, citing his experience and ability to handle pressure, the current situation, marked by Can's recent injury and the coach's preference for other midfielders, suggests a challenging path to the 2026 World Cup.

Analysis

Emre Can's prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear to be diminishing. His recent long-term injury and subsequent need to regain full match fitness and form coincide with Nagelsmann's clear preference for other options in central midfield. Despite his leadership qualities at Dortmund and his versatility, the competition for places in the German squad is intense, with a focus on emerging talents like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, as well as established veterans like Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rüdiger. For Can to make a strong case for inclusion, he would likely need to consistently demonstrate exceptional form and fitness throughout the remainder of the 2025/2026 season, potentially in a consistent defensive role, and hope for a shift in Nagelsmann's selection strategy or injuries to other key players.