Germany to Take on Finland Ahead of 2026 World Cup Campaign

Germany will continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they take on Finland in an international friendly on Sunday evening. 

The match serves as an important opportunity for head coach Julian Nagelsmann to assess his squad ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The Germans have been drawn into Group E alongside Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curacao, with Curacao set to make its World Cup debut.

Nagelsmann confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss the friendly after suffering a minor leg injury. The Germany coach explained that the decision was made in consultation with the medical staff to avoid any risk ahead of the World Cup campaign.

The coach emphasized Neuer’s importance to the squad, highlighting the experience and leadership the goalkeeper brings to the national team. 

Neuer recently reversed his international retirement decision in order to participate in the 2026 World Cup, but an injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich has limited his recent involvement.

Following the match against Finland, Germany will travel to Chicago for their final warm-up fixture against the United States on June 6 before the start of the tournament.

Germany will begin their World Cup campaign on June 14 against Curacao in Houston. Their second group-stage match will come against Ivory Coast on June 20 in Toronto, before concluding the group phase with a clash against Ecuador on June 25 in East Rutherford.