Leon Goretzka

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Leon Goretzka, at 30 years old (born February 6, 1995), remains a significant figure for both Bayern Munich and the German national team as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. His prospects for the tournament appear strong, though his recent injury history and the emergence of younger talent will play a role in his definitive selection and role.

Analysis of Prospects for FIFA World Cup 2026:

Goretzka is widely expected to be part of the German squad for the 2026 World Cup. He has been consistently included in recent Germany national team call-ups for World Cup qualifiers, including in July, September, October, and November 2025. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann reportedly views Goretzka as an important player in midfield, particularly valuing his physicality and robustness. Nagelsmann has indicated he wants Goretzka in a midfield role, often in a double pivot alongside Joshua Kimmich, a partnership that has also been utilized at Bayern Munich. This suggests a clear understanding of his role within the national team's tactical setup.

His experience is also a key asset; Goretzka has already represented Germany at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020, as well as winning the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. He is a veteran player with over 50 caps for Germany.

However, Goretzka's place has faced challenges from emerging talents such as Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is also gaining more minutes for both Bayern and Germany. Despite this, Goretzka's ability to impose himself physically, especially in more demanding qualifiers, provides Nagelsmann with a valuable option.

Current Form and Latest News:

As of late 2025, Goretzka has been integrating back into playing, though recent injuries have been a concern. In January 2025, he suffered a muscle strain in his left hamstring, which was expected to sideline him for several days and caused him to miss a Champions League match. This followed a calf injury in April 2025 and another muscle injury in January 2025. He also sustained a hamstring injury that ruled him out of a US tour and likely the start of the Bundesliga season in the prior period.

Despite these injury setbacks, when fit, Goretzka has continued to influence matches in his natural midfield role for Bayern Munich. In the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he has played 14 matches. In the 2024/2025 season, he scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 26 Bundesliga matches. He is focused on translating his club form to the national team, aiming to help Germany overcome recent shortcomings in major tournaments. His current market value is €21.5 million, and his contract with Bayern Munich expires on June 30, 2026.

In summary, Leon Goretzka's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are promising due to his experience, the trust placed in him by coach Julian Nagelsmann, and his ability to provide a physical presence in midfield. While recent injuries and competition from younger players present challenges, his continued inclusion in national team plans and his stated desire to contribute positively indicate he will likely play an important role for Germany, provided he maintains fitness.