Julian Nagelsmann names Joshua Kimmich as his starting right-back for the World Cup

The former FC Bayern manager has named Joshua Kimmich as his starting right-back.

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Julian Nagelsmann names Joshua Kimmich as his starting right-back for the World Cup

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 17: Joshua Kimmich of Germany celebrates his team's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Germany and Slovakia at Red Bull Arena on November 17, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jack Laushway

Mon, March 2, 2026 at 12:30 AM UTC·
2 min read

With the days passing quick, there are only a few short months standing from now until the FIFA World Cup. With only one international break before the tournament, time is ticking on Germany to tinker and experiment before the big games. One of the most important questions lingering for fans has now been asked.

Joshua Kimmich has been confirmed by Julian Nagelsmann as the first-choice right-back at the World Cup. Kimmich has been playing in that position as of late, but there was a moment there when Ridle Baku was in form and Nagelsmann floated the idea of including Kimmich in the midfield.

Julian Nagelsmann confirms that Joshua Kimmich will continue at right-back ahead of the World Cup

• Will Kimmich remain the first-choice right-back?

Nagelsmann: "Yes, that's how it will stay."

@kicker] [pic.twitter.com/I3ZCXyoDsb

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 1, 2026

Kimmich as right-back feels like the right decision, especially with how great Aleksander Pavlović has been playing as of late. While Kimmich would make a great midfielder for Germany, this decision is one that maximizes the talent on the pitch and allows Kimmich to put in his famous crosses from that right side.

This decision seems to be getting mixed reception thus far. For many, the midfield of Leon Goretzka and Aleksander Pavlović isn’t up to standards when you look at the rich history of the football nation. Ultimately, the performance on the pitch is what will decide if this decision was the right one but it feels as though there is mounting pressure on the German coach to deliver a successful tournament.

As great as EURO 2024 was, Germany has been on a bit of a rollercoaster since and it is difficult to assess the real strength of this squad at the moment. While Germany should be favorites to win their group, a difficult road is ahead nonetheless.

*If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor… *

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