Five BVB players are in national team coach Hansi Flick's 26-man Germany squad for the World Cup, which will take place in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. Other Black & Yellows have been called up by their national team coaches too.

Germany will head to the World Cup with two Dortmund defenders, Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, among the travelling party. They will be joined by attacking players Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt and Youssoufa Moukoko. 

The striker, who will celebrate his 18th birthday on the day of the opening game, is one of the surprises in Hansi Flick's squad. Moukoko has notched nine goals in 11 matches for the Germany U16, U20 and U21 national teams, but has not previously been called up by the senior team. "Youssoufa has developed well. He offers a lot to a team: he is quick, lively and a good finisher. We're looking forward to having him," Flick said.

"To now be involved in a World Cup – an objective that players dream of their whole career – makes me unbelievably proud. All the hard work has paid off and I'm simply incredibly happy and overwhelmed," said a delighted Moukoko.

BVB captain Marco Reus has not made the squad on account of injuries. "I've often said before how much I value him as a footballer. He would do any team good in the final third. He will be a miss for us. He tried everything in order to board the World Cup train. But an injury like that needed time," said Flick of Reus.

"Following another setback in training on Sunday, everyone involved has tried everything in the last few days to make it possible for me to take part in the World Cup after all. However, given my injured ankle, it was not enough for the World Cup," commented the BVB captain, before adding: "Unfortunately, a big dream of mine has come to an end! Now I would like to wish my team every conceivable success in Qatar and will cross my fingers at home!"

Mats Hummels also missed out on the squad. "We've seen a lot of Mats' games. He is in outstanding form, is top-fit and has offered Dortmund a lot," said the national team coach. "But we in the coaching team have decided on a younger player, because we have the future in mind." Hummels described it as one of the "bigger disappointments of my career. I will now keep my fingers crossed for the team at the World Cup and will use the time to respond to such an experience with hard work, as I do every time."

Not all national team coaches have yet announced their squads. In addition to the German players, Gregor Kobel (Switzerland) and Giovanni Reyna (USA) have so far had their World Cup participation confirmed. Thorgan Hazard and Thomas Meunier will also be there with Belgium. (cr)

The call-ups at a glance

Germany
Karim Adeyemi
Julian Brandt
Youssoufa Moukoko
Nico Schlotterbeck
Niklas Süle 

Switzerland
Gregor Kobel

USA
Giovanni Reyna

Belgium
Thorgan Hazard
Thomas Meunier