Musiala backed to 'explode' at 2026 World Cup after snubbing England for Germany

Jamal Musiala, the Bayern Munich playmaker who rejected England to represent Germany, has been tipped to be one of the tournament’s defining players at the 2026 World Cup by former Bayern chief Matthias Sammer.

The 23-year-old progressed through England’s youth system from under-15 level up to the under-21s — with a brief stint in Germany’s under-16 setup in between — before formally declaring for Germany in 2021, citing his eligibility through his mother and his birthplace. His decision drew widespread attention at the time, and it remains a talking point as both nations prepare to face each other on the global stage this summer.

Musiala’s path to the tournament has not been straightforward. A serious knee injury sustained last summer ruled him out for a large portion of the season, but he has recovered in time to earn his place in Germany’s squad.

Sammer, speaking to Sky in Germany, expressed full confidence in Musiala’s ability to build through the tournament. “I’m absolutely convinced that Jamal Musiala will improve significantly as the tournament unfolds,” he said. “Maybe not in the first match, maybe in the second — then comes the knockout stage and suddenly he’ll explode. He’s gradually taking steps forward. When you have a world-class player, you should trust and support him.”

Sammer added that the coaching staff and teammates have a role to play in easing Musiala back to his best. “The coaching staff and his teammates should make him feel: ‘Yes, we know you’re not at 100% yet, but you will be. Join in, we trust you and you trust us.’ Even at 95 per cent, Jamal is still one of the most extraordinary players on the planet. I’m incredibly happy he’s back and will help us.”

Musiala himself has previously reflected on the choice that shaped his international career. “I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating,” he said. “In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in. Still, it wasn’t an easy decision for me.”

Since his debut in 2021, Musiala has made 42 appearances for Germany and scored nine goals. He will be aiming to help the nation claim a fifth World Cup title, while England — who begin their own campaign in just over a week — continue their search for a second major international trophy.