German Super Cup: Bensebaini starts for Dortmund, Brown in for Bayern
Super Cup Line-ups Announced
The line-ups for tonight’s German Super Cup have been confirmed, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund preparing to face each other at Signal Iduna Park. The match marks an early test for both clubs as they integrate new players and prepare for the upcoming season.
For Bayern Munich, coach Vincent Kompany has made a notable selection in midfield. Nathaniel Brown, a recent acquisition, is set to start in place of Jamal Musiala, who has been experiencing health issues. Brown, typically a left-back, will play behind striker Harry Kane in what is described as a surprise tactical decision. Moroccan star Ismael Saibari is on the bench for Bayern.
Bayern Munich‘s starting XI includes Manuel Neuer in goal. The defense features Kim Min-jae, Jonathan Tah, Josip Stanisic, and Nathaniel Brown. The midfield consists of Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer, and Aleksandar Pavlovic. The attacking line is composed of Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, and Harry Kane.
Substitutes for Bayern are Jonas Urbig, Dayot Upamecano, Tom Bischof, Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, Arijon Ibrahimovic, Ismael Saibari, Para, and Cardoso.
On the Borussia Dortmund side, coach Niko Kovac has named a team that includes Rami Bensebaini in the starting line-up. The Algerian international is joined by new French defender Yan Couto and German international Waldemar Anton in defense.
Borussia Dortmund‘s starting eleven features Gregor Kobel as goalkeeper. The defensive unit includes Yan Couto, Waldemar Anton, and Rami Bensebaini. The midfield is comprised of Julian Ryerson, Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, and Daniel Svensson. The attack will see Konstantinos Karetsas, Samuel Ineacio, and Serhou Guirassy.
Goalkeepers in Focus
The match is also drawing attention to the goalkeeping battle between Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich and Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund. Both goalkeepers are considered crucial to their respective teams’ performances.
Neuer, a highly decorated player, has previously won the Supercup eight times. He views the match as a significant final, stating that it is the first cup his team can win in the season. He also acknowledged that Dortmund always presents a tough challenge for Bayern, especially when playing at Signal Iduna Park.
Kobel, while not having won a senior trophy yet, demonstrated strong form last season. Dortmund conceded the fewest goals in the division in the 2025/26 season, and Kobel recorded 15 clean sheets in the Bundesliga. He also had an impressive showing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Switzerland reached the quarter-finals, their best result in the tournament’s history.
Kobel expressed his excitement for the future and his commitment to performing his best daily. He also looks forward to competing against Neuer, recognizing his opponent’s sustained high level of performance over many years. Neuer has indicated that he might retire at the end of the season, making this potentially one of their final encounters.
The Supercup fixture is seen as an important game by both goalkeepers, with Kobel emphasizing the need for Dortmund to give their all. He believes it will be a good moment for the team before the Bundesliga season commences. The match is expected to provide an indication of the teams’ readiness for the league campaign.
Pre-Season Preparations and Expectations
The Franz Beckenbauer Supercup serves as a final tune-up before the start of the 2026-27 season. While sometimes considered a friendly, these matches often feature competitive play with teams fielding strong line-ups. For Borussia Dortmund, coach Niko Kovac aims to integrate new signings into a cohesive unit and bring players who missed midsummer friendlies due to injuries up to speed. The match offers a dress rehearsal before competitive games begin.
Bayern Munich is in a similar position, using the match to integrate players like Dayot Upamecano, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise, who were away from the club for much of the summer. It is also an opportunity for new signings such as Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown to secure a place in the starting eleven. Reports indicate that Maxi Beier and Waldemar Anton have recovered from minor injuries and are ready to return to the squad.
The match is also expected to feature debuts for new Dortmund signings Joey Veerman and Giannis Konstantelias, though not for the full 90 minutes. The midfield pairing of Felix Nmecha and Joey Veerman will be under scrutiny, as will the performance of Joane Gadou in defense against Bayern‘s attacking players. Nico Schlotterbeck is not expected to be fit until mid-September.
The Supercup is anticipated to be an engaging encounter, offering insights into the teams’ form ahead of the league season, with both sides keen to secure an early trophy.
Source: goal.com
