Newcastle United star Malick Thiaw makes bold Nick Woltemade claim ahead of World Cup opener
Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw will be involved as Germany get their World Cup campaign underway against Curacao.
Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw believes Nick Woltemade can deliver ‘something special’ for Germany at the 2026 World Cup.
The Magpies duo are away at their first World Cup as Germany look to claim a record-equalling fifth title.
Germany’s World Cup campaign gets underway against Curacao on Sunday evening (6pm kick-off BST), though Thiaw and Woltemade have had limited gametime ahead of the tournament.
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Thiaw: Woltemade can win World Cup golden boot
Despite that, Thiaw has backed Woltemade to put a frustrating 2026 at club level behind him and help his national team in North America this summer.
When asked if Woltemade could do something special and even win the golden boot at the World Cup, Thiaw replied: “Yes, 100%. Each striker who plays for a big country like Germany, or one of the others, can do something [special] and [Woltemade] has the qualities to do it.
“We try to perform as a team, first of all. But, bring his qualities into the team as well and into the games, then of course he can help Germany a lot in this World Cup.”
Thiaw and Woltemade are two of seven Newcastle players away at the World Cup. Dan Burn and Tino Livramento are with England, Bruno Guimaraes is away with Brazil, Yoane Wissa is representing DR Congo and Anthony Elanga is in the Sweden squad.
Malick Thiaw’s positive World Cup mindset
Although Germany aren’t quite the same beast they were 12 years ago when they last won the World Cup, Thiaw is heading into the tournament with a positive mindset.
“Yes, I always try to perform what the coach asks of me, whether it's in training or in the games, I will be available for him,” he said.
“We have a good team. But you know how the World Cup is, it's really big and the tournament is long also. But, yeah [confident], we have a good team.”
On facing World Cup newcomers Curacao, Thiaw added; “The first game is so, so important, especially in the World Cup.