Germany have announced their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one of the most notable omissions is Noah Atubolu, the highly regarded Freiburg goalkeeper. The 23‑year‑old, born in Germany to a Nigerian father, has long been viewed as one of the country’s brightest young goalkeeping prospects.
Atubolu has represented Germany at U17 and U21 levels, but has not yet made a senior appearance, meaning he remains eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria if he chooses. His exclusion from the World Cup squad has now sparked renewed discussion about his international future.
Softfootball gathered that the decision has been met with interest in Nigeria, where the Super Eagles continue to monitor dual‑national talents across Europe. With the national team actively strengthening its goalkeeping department, Atubolu could become a valuable long‑term option should he decide to commit to the three‑time African champions.
For now, the Freiburg goalkeeper will watch the World Cup from the sidelines, but his international future appears more open than ever.
