Nathaniel Brown set to start for Germany against Curacao

The young left-back has been a revelation for Eintracht Frankfurt this season.

(Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Germany's left-back battle is officially over, as Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on Saturday night that Nathaniel Brown will start against Curaçao. The position had previously been up for grabs between Brown and David Raum.

Brown started both friendlies for Germany ahead of the World Cup, playing a full ninety minutes against Finland and 60 minutes against the United States. He heads into the tournament with just five caps as part of an otherwise very experienced Germany squad.

The 22-year-old was a rare bright spot with Eintracht Frankfurt last season, recording four goals and four assists in the Bundesliga. This is his second season as a starter for Frankfurt after joining from 2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Nürnberg in 2024.

Raum was expected by many to be the starter heading into the summer. The RB Leipzig defender has 37 caps and started all three games in the 2022 World Cup as Germany exited in the group stage. Raum also started as the back-up before overtaking Maximilian Mittelstädt as the starter for the knockout stage of the 2024 European Championship.

Brown is widely reported to be closing in on a move to Bayern Munich after the tournament. Bayern's starting left-back, Alphonso Davies, missed Canada's opening 1-1 draw with Bosnia due to injury, which has been an issue for the Canadian all season.

Germany takes on Curaçao, the smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup, on Sunday in the team's opening clash of Group E as Julian Nagelsmann's side looks to get off to a strong start. Germany has not won its opening game at the World Cup since 2014, when Die Mannschaft won the entire tournament.