Antonio Rudiger Named in Germany's 26-Man Squad for Ghana Friendly
- Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is back in the squad for the March internationals after recovering from injury
- Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl has been rewarded after his impressive UEFA Champions League performances
- Germany’s 26-man squad combines experienced stars with emerging talent ahead of the friendly against Ghana on March 30
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Germany have announced a strong squad for their upcoming friendly against Ghana, with Antonio Rudiger among the names included for the March international window ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Real Madrid defender will be joined by several established stars, including Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane, as Julian Nagelsmann prepares a 26-man group that mixes experience with emerging talent.
Source: Getty Images
Germany name squad for March Ghana friendly
According to ESPN, one of the most notable inclusions is Bayern Munich teenager Lennart Karl, who received his first senior call-up after impressing with his recent performances in the UEFA Champions League.
The call came just a day after the 18-year-old scored once and assisted in Bayern’s victory over Atalanta, taking his return to four goals and two assists in his first seven appearances in Europe's highest tier.
He had already made history earlier in the campaign by becoming the youngest-ever scorer for the reigning Bundesliga champions in the competition on his first start in October.
Karl’s Bayern teammate Jonas Urbig is also in contention to make his international debut, having stepped in as goalkeeper as Manuel Neuer continues to deal with calf problems.
Urbig recently recovered from a concussion in time to feature in the second leg of Bayern’s 10-2 aggregate win over Atalanta on March 18, helping ease what had become a growing injury concern in goal.
Antonio Rudiger returns to Nagelsmann’s squad for the first time since September after a hamstring injury ruled him out for much of the first half of the season, including Germany’s last four World Cup qualifying matches.
There is also a recall for Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, who comes back into the squad after scoring in each of his last five Bundesliga matches.
With 16 league goals to his name, the forward is currently the second-highest scorer in the Bundesliga behind Bayern forward Harry Kane.
Germany are set to face Switzerland in a friendly away on March 27 before taking on Ghana in Stuttgart three days later.
The four-time world champions have been drawn in their 2026 World Cup group alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana announces 26-man squad for March friendlies
Meanwhile, Otto Addo has handed debut call-ups to Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya and Daniel Agyei for this month’s international friendlies.
The quartet are part of the 26-man squad named by the Black Stars coach for the two crucial preparatory matches ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Making a return to the squad are Inaki Williams, Brandon Thomas Asante, Ibrahim Sulemana, Thomas Partey, and Alexander Djiku.
According to the Ghana FA, the Black Stars will play Austria in Vienna on March 27 before travelling to Stuttgart to face Germany three days later.
Austria name squad for Ghana friendly
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Austria had named a strong squad for their upcoming international friendly against Ghana.
Captain David Alaba headlines the list and will be joined by experienced stars such as Marko Arnautović and Michael Gregoritsch.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
