Marc-André ter Stegen appears to have made a decision regarding his future that could have far-reaching consequences for him.
Could this decision ruin his chance of participating in the 2026 World Cup? Marc-André ter Stegen is currently in a difficult situation at FC Barcelona but apparently still wants to stay with the Catalans.
According to the newspaper As , the goalkeeper has no intention of leaving Barcelona. Instead, ter Stegen, who still has a contract until 2028, apparently wants to remain with the club. Accordingly, he sees himself capable of challenging Joan Garcia for his starting spot in goal upon his return.
Marc-André ter Stegen apparently wants to stay in Barcelona
Last July, ter Stegen underwent surgery again for persistent back problems and has been working on his comeback since then. The earliest possible time for his return is considered to be November.
Ter Stegen faces bench position
The problem: Joan Garcia, for whom the German was originally demoted but who is currently suffering from a meniscus tear, is also expected to be fit again by then.
Because Wojciech Szczęsny also enjoys high esteem within the club, ter Stegen, as the current number three, has little chance of playing time.
If the goalkeeper actually remains with his long-time club beyond the winter and doesn’t get playing time there, it will also mean no World Cup participation for Germany in the summer.
Playing time essential for World Cup participation
Both national coach Julian Nagelsmann and DFB sports director Rudi Völler have already stated that ter Stegen can only travel as number one if he is fit and playing.
“He is the number one when he plays,” Nagelsmann stated in September. Völler recently explained to Sky : “A goalkeeper like Marc-André ter Stegen also deserves to play in a World Cup – although Oliver Baumann is doing very, very well, at Hoffenheim and now also in the national team games, he’s representing him wonderfully.”
And further: “Whether at Barcelona or any other club – this is also important to say, he knows this in his communication with Julian: To make it back, he naturally has to play. If he manages that in half a year, then he naturally has great chances, then he will probably be our World Cup goalkeeper.”
Barca would keep ter Stegen as backup
Meanwhile, the Catalans have no problem keeping ter Stegen as a backup goalkeeper, as sports director Deco recently made clear in conversation with Mundo Deportivo .
“He can still make history. He’s only 33 years old, that’s not an advanced age for a goalkeeper. There’s absolutely no problem.”
However, then he won’t travel to the World Cup as Germany’s number one.