Germany's Julian Nagelsmann Surprises With Stefan Ortega's Maiden Call-Up For Nations League Matches

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Julian Nagelsmann has included Stefan Ortega in Germany's squad for the Nations League matches. Ortega, a 32-year-old goalkeeper, has played just four times for Manchester City this season, featuring twice in both the Champions League and EFL Cup. His selection was unexpected given his limited appearances. Ortega joined City in 2022 and serves as the backup to Ederson, earning praise when he stepped in last season due to Ederson's eye injury.

Germany's squad also sees the return of Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, who last played for the national team in September 2023. This season, Nmecha has contributed two goals and two assists across 14 matches. Kai Havertz is back in the lineup after missing October's international games because of a knee injury.

Germany has already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals with 10 points from their first four matches. Despite this achievement, Nagelsmann aims to maintain momentum against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Hungary, starting on November 16. "After making sure of a spot in the quarter-finals, we now want to seal top spot in the group," said Nagelsmann. "Reaching the Nations League final four next year is an important milestone on our way to the 2026 World Cup."

The full squad list includes Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart), Stefan Ortega (Manchester City), Robin Gosens (Fiorentina), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstadt (Stuttgart), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Chris Fuhrich (Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Monchengladbach) and Deniz Undav (Stuttgart).

Nagelsmann's strategy focuses on securing top position in their group as they look ahead to next year's finals. The upcoming matches are crucial steps towards achieving their long-term goal of success at the 2026 World Cup.