Barcelona veteran at risk of missing out on dream starting position at 2026 FIFA World Cup | OneFootball

Despite being a regular for Barcelona for several years now, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has never really been a regular starter for the German national team and has perpetually been in the shadow of his compatriot Manuel Neuer.

The legendary goalkeeper has remained Germany’s default starting option for over a decade, not only starting but also starring in goal for the national team in every major tournament.

It was only in the recently concluded Euro 2024 that Neuer announced that he was retiring from international football, opening the door for a successor to finally plant his foot.

Ter Stegen, needless to say, appeared to be the unequivocal option to be the new No. 1.

Doubts creeping in

With no direct competitor in his path now, the Barcelona captain was expected to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Now, however, Mundo Deportivo bring to light that the situation is no longer as clear.

The veteran’s decision to undergo back surgery and alleviate his discomfort at this point of the year may hurt his chances of entering the World Cup as an undisputed starter, especially given that he will not be having regular minutes for a few months at least.

Starting spot at next year’s World Cup under threat? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

In fact, Ter Stegen missed a great part of last season after a knee surgery and thus did not play in the international breaks for Germany, opening the doors for the likes of Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel to have a chance in the limelight.

Yet, it was Ter Stegen who started in the UEFA Nations League for his team this summer and even impressed in the event, proving that he has little to no competition.

The bigger hurdle for Ter Stegen, however, is that Joan Garcia’s arrival at Barcelona leaves little to no window of opportunity for him to serve as a starter even after his return from surgery.

After all, he may even be stripped of his captaincy at Barcelona if rumours are to be believed.

A prolonged hiatus from a starting role, needless to say, will render him relatively unfit and reduce his chances of being a starter at the mega international event next year in North America.