A Rising Star on the Global Stage
FC Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović has secured a starting position for Germany in their 2026 World Cup Group E opener against Curaçao, taking place in Houston this Sunday. The selection underscores the midfielder’s rapid integration into the national team setup under the current tactical framework.
Ahead of the match, Pavlović candidly admitted to ZDF that he was unfamiliar with the island nation at the time of the draw. However, he emphasized that the team has thoroughly analyzed their opponent, noting that Curaçao is expected to employ a deep defensive block and rely on counter-attacks. “We’ve seen some footage of them. They try to counter-attack and sit very deep. We have to watch out for that,” Pavlović stated.
Tactical Integration
Pavlović lines up in a midfield alongside Felix Nmecha, supporting an attacking unit featuring Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane. This match marks a significant moment for the German squad, which also sees the return of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to international duty. The inclusion of Pavlović in the starting XI alongside established stars signals the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to manage the tempo against compact defensive opponents.
While Germany enters the tournament as a clear favorite, the match represents a historic debut for Curaçao, widely considered the strongest iteration of the national team to date. For Pavlović, the fixture is an essential opportunity to solidify his standing as a key component of the German midfield for the remainder of the tournament.