Kai Havertz: Central Figure in Germany’s 2026 World Cup Campaign

At Germany’s World Cup base in Winston, North Carolina, forward Kai Havertz has been deployed as Julian Nagelsmann’s starting centre-forward. In the group stage Germany topped Group E, registering 42 shots across matches and advancing to the knockout round. Havertz contributed two goals against Curaçao—a penalty and a late finish—and previously scored twice against Costa Rica at the 2022 World Cup, though Germany were eliminated. He describes the squad’s current “real joy in playing” and stresses an offensive, high-movement style.

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Earlier in June Havertz reflected on Arsenal’s Champions League final loss in Budapest, calling the experience “tough” and noting the emotional difficulty of the defeat. He highlighted Arsenal’s celebration of a first league title in 22 years, recalling his early goal against Paris Saint-Germain that “looked a possible winner for nearly an hour.” Internationally, Havertz was part of the Germany side that fell to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and has endured a “last year and a half” marked by knee surgery and a hamstring injury. He contrasts the “different energy” of the current squad with the disappointment of Qatar 2022, where Germany exited at the group stage.

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• International record: 24 goals in 60 caps for Germany.

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• 2026 group stage: 42 shots taken by Germany; Havertz scored twice against Curaçao.

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• Club season: Arsenal’s league title ended a 22-year drought; Havertz contributed key goals, including an early strike against PSG in the Champions League final.

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Havertz emphasizes the team’s renewed confidence, stating that Germany “radiate a real joy in playing” and that they “move a lot, play offensively and create scoring chances.” He acknowledges the mental burden of previous early exits and stresses a collective duty to avoid “failing early on again.” Regarding match conditions, he finds FIFA’s hydration breaks “annoying” when they interrupt flow. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Havertz’s willingness to “be involved” and create space for teammates, noting his “runs which sometimes look pointless” but serve tactical purposes.

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Despite his contributions, Havertz faces criticism in Germany for perceived inconsistency. Commentators have labeled him “useless” when he does not score, and some argue his profile suffers because he “doesn’t play in the Bundesliga.” He acknowledges these debates but says he does not “dwell on it too much” and has moved beyond “brooding” over criticism.

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• “To be honest, it was tough,” — Kai Havertz, Arsenal forward

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• “We radiate a real joy in playing,” — Kai Havertz, Germany forward

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• “Defenders should never know where I am, where I’m going, what I’m planning, or where I’ll be at any given moment,” — Kai Havertz, Germany forward

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• “I can’t just wait around in the penalty area, I need to be involved,” — Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager

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• “The last year and a half has gone badly for me,” — Kai Havertz, Arsenal forward

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Germany’s pursuit of a first World Cup since 2014 hinges on translating Havertz’s versatility—his ability to operate across the front line, create space, and finish chances—into consistent performance. His personal resilience after injuries and his willingness to adapt positions, such as playing left-back in a friendly, provide tactical flexibility for Nagelsmann. Positive public perception of his contributions could bolster team morale ahead of knockout rounds.

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Germany’s next challenge is a last-16 clash with France, followed by a potential round-of-16 encounter with Ecuador, where there are calls for Deniz Undav to start. Havertz’s fitness and form will be pivotal as Germany seeks to advance beyond the group stage and contend for the championship.

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