World Cup 2026 features Canada’s Jayden Nelson and former Hannover 96 players in multiple squads

Canada’s 23‑year‑old forward Jayden Nelson, who survived a rare germ‑cell tumor diagnosed in childhood, was added to the host nation’s World Cup 2026 roster after teammate Marcelo Flores suffered a knee injury. Nelson said doctors once told him his chances of a professional career were "practically zero," but he persevered and now plays for Canada in the tournament.

Former Hannover 96 players are also represented at the finals. Defender Ime Okon will appear for South Africa, while midfielder Elias Saad, on loan at Hannover 96 from Augsburg, is in Tunisia’s squad. German international Waldemar Anton, a product of Hannover’s youth system, will play for Germany, and striker Maximilian Beier, who previously wore the 96 jersey, is also in the German lineup. No former Hannover 96 player made the German squad directly, but the club’s alumni feature across several national teams.