by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- VfB Stuttgart is on track to build on its success under coach Sebastian Hoeness, with several players in contention for Germany's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Stuttgart, the 2025 German Cup champion, won 4-1 in Leverkusen to move back into the race for UEFA Champions League places in the Bundesliga.
"Stuttgart's players are definitely on the list for the World Cup," Germany sporting director Rudi Voller said.
Voller said Stuttgart has seven players who have already played for Germany.
"We don't talk about newcomers, but established players who stand for quality and experience," said the 1990 World Champion and 1993 Champions League winner (Marseille).
He highlighted the development of Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, Angelo Stiller, Maxi Mittelstaedt, Alex Nubel, Joshua Vagnoman and Chris Fuhrich.
In a roundtable interview, Voller also mentioned VfB defender Jeff Chabot as a potential candidate and praised Hoeness's impact.
Hoeness, the son of former Bayern striker and Germany international Dieter Hoeness, led Stuttgart from relegation battles in 2023 to second place in the Bundesliga in 2024 and guided the club to the German Cup title in 2025.
Voller said Hoeness has offset the departures of key players including Serhou Guirassy, Waldemar Anton, Hiroki Ito and Nick Woltemade.
Undav scored his ninth goal of the season after returning from a lengthy injury layoff, while Leweling scored twice in Leverkusen. The report said Stuttgart recently rejected a 40-million-euro offer for Leweling from Premier League side Bournemouth.
Voller said not all seven Stuttgart players are likely to make the World Cup squad, but added that several VfB players could be involved.
German media have dubbed the club "VfB Germany" after its rise under Hoeness.
Stuttgart's goals this season include qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the German Cup final again. Hoeness said the team's form will boost his players' chances of earning a place in Germany's World Cup squad.
"We are in a great mood as a team," Undav said, adding: "A great mood for the national team is secured when I am around, as I am always spreading an inspiring atmosphere." ■