VfB Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstädt is targeting a return to Jürgen Klopp’s DFB squad after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. The left-back is pushing hard in pre-season to make the national team his priority once more.
Why Mittelstädt is seizing his chance after the World Cup snub
Mittelstädt was in the running for Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad but missed out under Julian Nagelsmann. He lost the tight race to Nathaniel Brown (FC Bayern) and David Raum (RB Leipzig). Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, he used the break to recover and prepare. „I’ll push hard and try to get back to my best form,“ he told BILD. His goal is simple: „Then I want to fight my way back into the national team.“
He finished last season strongly and showed no signs of World Cup frustration in Stuttgart’s first training week or in the pre-season friendly against Balingen (7:0), where he was named player of the match. „It felt good,“ said the Berlin native. With 34 games, 18 wins and 62 points, Stuttgart ended the 2025/26 season in fourth place, still in the title race despite Bayern Munich’s 27-point lead.
Klopp’s arrival as a lifeline for Mittelstädt
Jürgen Klopp is taking over the DFB squad – and it’s a move welcomed at VfB Stuttgart. Sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth praised the ex-Liverpool boss: „He’s delivered at the highest level, both nationally and internationally. He can take a team forward and lead the nation in tough tournament moments.“ Klopp’s arrival could turn Mittelstädt’s World Cup frustration into a fresh opportunity.
The left-back sees the change as his chance. „I want to step up,“ he said. His form is solid, and a strong 2026/27 season could earn him a call-up. Currently, Stuttgart is in a rough patch after losing 0:3 to Bayern Munich on 23 May 2026. Their last five games read 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses (form: LLDDW).
What the 2026/27 season must deliver
Mittelstädt’s focus is clear: „Above all, I want to be successful with VfB this season.“ The team kicks off the new campaign on 1 August 2026 against Paris FC. With 71 goals scored and a +22 goal difference, there’s room for improvement – especially after the last two defeats.
Currently sidelined are Dennis Seimen and Justin Diehl. Mittelstädt could play a key role in shoring up the defense while chasing his national team ambitions. Pre-season training is in full swing, and the pressure is on: after a disappointing finish last term, Stuttgart must bounce back.
