Germany manager laments Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation ahead of World Cup – ‘It’s tragic’

FC Barcelona loanee Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s chances of playing as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at a World Cup are becoming increasingly remote.

After Manuel Neuer’s 15-year dominance in the German goal ended following the last European Championship, the 2026 World Cup appeared destined to offer the Barcelona captain the opportunity to play in the major international tournament as a starter.

After losing his starting place at Barcelona following Joan Garcia’s arrival, a January loan move to Girona was presented as the right scenario to regain form and convince Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann that he was ready to be Germany’s No. 1.

Unfortunately, a new injury ruled him out again after just two matches for Girona, and Nagelsmann all but acknowledged that Ter Stegen’s opportunity is now bordering on utopian.

“It is obviously an extremely tragic situation for Marc, now it would have been his turn. That something so dramatic arises from such a simple action as a normal pass,” Nagelsmann told Kicker (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Injured while on loan at Girona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Looking at his history with the national team, now it would have been his turn,” he added.

Although he was not entirely categorical, the German coach suggested that Ter Stegen’s opportunity to defend Germany’s goal may have to wait until after the next World Cup.

“The book is not completely closed, but there is no doubt that it will be very tight, because one must take into account not only the recent downtime, but also the previous period. He has hardly played for a year, this is extremely little,” he noted.

Although Ter Stegen, who will turn 34 in April, has been capped 44 times by Germany, his legitimate ambition was always to play as the national team’s starting goalkeeper at a World Cup or a European Championship.

Neuer’s voluntary retirement from international football opened the door wide to that dream, but injuries have gradually pushed it further away.

Oliver Baumann, the 35-year-old Hoffenheim goalkeeper, is emerging as the leading candidate to guard Germany’s goal at next summer’s World Cup.