Deniz Undav

Deniz Undav forced his way into Germany's 2026 World Cup squad with an outstanding domestic season, scoring 25 goals across all competitions for VfB Stuttgart. Nagelsmann included him when announcing the final 26-man squad via DFB Instagram videos on 21 May 2026. On 6 June, Undav scored Germany's third goal in a 3-1 win over the USA at Soldier Field, Chicago; a final pre-tournament run-out that confirmed his place as one of Nagelsmann's primary striking options.

Born 19 July 1996 in Achim, Undav took an unconventional route to the Bundesliga elite. He played in the lower German divisions and Dutch football before joining Brighton and Hove Albion in 2022 under Roberto De Zerbi, where his movement and pressing attracted Bundesliga interest. After a highly successful loan spell at Stuttgart where he finished as one of the Bundesliga's top scorers in 2023-24, he signed permanently for VfB Stuttgart and extended his contract through to 2029. He was named Stuttgart vice-captain.

Undav is a high-energy forward who presses relentlessly and finds space in behind defensive lines. At 29, he arrives at his first World Cup in peak physical condition and with the confidence of a historic scoring season and a goal against the tournament hosts behind him.