Germany host Finland in penultimate pre-World Cup friendly

Leweling the strike legend?The Stuttgart attacker saw the funny side of unexpectedly being handed the Germany number 9 shirt by changing his Instagram profile to a picture of former Brazilian centre-forward Ronaldo.

It’s a numbers gameThe DFB announced the shirt numbers for the World Cup squad on Wednesday, with Manuel Neuer to take number 1, Joshua Kimmich 6, Jamal Musiala 10 and, in a slight change to tradition, Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling will take number 9.

Rudi Völler on Germany’s World Cup hopesThe German team’s sporting director said: “We’re not among the absolute top favourites – there are three or four others. I’m convinced it will be difficult to beat us though. Of course, we want to win our group. Then we’ll see what happens. We want to go as far as possible, but there’s no set target.”

Nagelsmann on whether Lennart Karl will start”A lot depends on how he performs. His start was exceptionally good. He made a very quick impression. Whether he starts or not is something we’ll discuss with him, and he’ll have to show he deserves that on the pitch.”

Nagelsmann on Musiala The Germany coach said on the Bayern playmaker, who is still seeking a return to full form following a long injury break: “He has made important progress in recent weeks. The important thing is that he plays freely and doesn’t overthink things. If Jamal plays at 70 per cent, he’s still better than many others. I’ll be happy if he’s at 100 per cent for the first World Cup game.”

Welcome returnNagelsmann said on Neuer: “We are better with Manu than without him, so we are pleased that he is with us.”

Baumann to start in goalHoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann will retain his status as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for now, Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on Wednesday. Returning legend Manuel Neuer will sit out the fixture to aid his recovery from a calf injury. Nagelsmann said: “Olli will play, and he will do well.”

The settingThis clash will be played at Mainz’s Mewa Arena. Germany have played there three times previously, most recently against Peru in a 2023 friendly match, which the hosts won 2-0.

Tale of the tapeGermany have won 16 of their 23 matches against Finland, with their only defeat coming back in August 1923. The last time the two sides met was in August 2016, where goals from Max Meyer and Mesut Özil secured a 2-0 win for Germany. The match also saw legendary midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger earn his final international cap for Die Nationalelf.

Final World Cup preparationsGermany’s clash with Finland is the first of their two warm-up games ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Julian Nagelsmann’s side will also face tournament co-hosts USA in Chicago on 6 June.