Most of the news about Germany's World Cup squad was around the return of Manuel Neuer. But beyond the headlines lies another story.
Eight of the 26 players representing Germany this summer have roots in Africa: Jonathan Tah (Ivorian father), Antonio Rüdiger (Sierra Leonean mother), Leroy Sane (Senegalese father), Felix Nmecha and Jamal Musiala (both Nigerian fathers), Assan Ouedraogo (both parents from Burkina Faso), Malick Thiaw (Senegalese father) and Jamie Leweling (Ghanian father).
In fact, if you look at the last year of Germany squad selections, there have been a total of 17 players with African roots called up. The connection Germany's footballers have with African countries is inescapable and of huge importance at the 2026 World Cup.
"Today we have great diversity in the team, which symbolizes a new generation of German players," Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, told DW. "That wasn't always the case," Baerbock added. "That shows how important anti-racism campaigns are. A team is also always a reflection of society."
Diversity important in time of division
