Just as he had been against Finland, Jonas Urbig was part of the German national team’s roster against the U.S.—wearing a special jersey number.
Jonas Urbig is not part of the German national team’s official World Cup roster, but that didn’t stop him from making his debut recently: In the 4-0 friendly win against Finland last Sunday in Mainz, the 22-year-old goalkeeper sat on the bench for the first time in a senior international match. And this Saturday as well, when the final warm-up match against host USA in Chicago was a success, Urbig was part of the matchday squad, even though he is only there as a training goalkeeper for the World Cup.
Particularly curious: Just as against Finland, the FC Bayern pro officially wore the number 1 jersey. At the World Cup, this number is actually reserved for returnee Manuel Neuer. But because Neuer continues to struggle with the aftermath of a calf injury, Urbig replaced him in the final World Cup warm-ups not only in Julian Nagelsmann’s lineup but also in terms of the prestigious number.
There is a simple reason why this number did not go to Oliver Baumann, who started between the posts in both matches, or to number 3 Alexander Nübel: Like the rest of the national team players, they had already worn their World Cup jersey numbers against Finland and the U.S.—Baumann the 12, Nübel the 21.
Neuer is set to make his comeback with the number 1 on his back in the tournament opener against Curaçao in eight days. “He’ll be in top shape for the first group stage match and will also join team training next week,” Nagelsmann assured on Friday.
Ouedraogo must take over Karl’s jersey number
Urbig could even be added to the roster during the tournament, but only if another goalkeeper suffers a “serious injury or illness,” as stated in FIFA regulations. For outfield players, roster changes are only possible up to 24 hours before kickoff of the Curacao match.
Assan Ouedraogo already benefited from this on Friday evening, having been added to the roster due to Lennart Karl’s injury. In accordance with FIFA regulations, he must also take over Karl’s jersey number and will therefore start the World Cup with the number 25.
