Pascal Gross confirms retirement from Germany after 19 caps and 2026 World Cup

Departure announced after Premier League victory

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Pascal Gross confirmed his retirement from international football on Saturday, 19 September 2026, following a 3-0 home victory against Arsenal in the Premier League. The 35-year-old opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a strike from just outside the penalty area, helping Brighton take a 2-0 lead into half-time, before providing the assist for the third goal. Speaking to Sky after the final whistle, Gross clarified that his international career had already concluded after the 2026 World Cup. He explained that because he does not maintain personal social media accounts, he had not issued a formal public statement during the summer break.

I have already retired. For me, that was it after the World Cup.

Late international debut and tournament record

Gross accumulated 19 caps, one goal, and one assist during a late-blooming international career for the German national team. He received his first senior call-up in September 2023 at the age of 32 under former head coach Hansi Flick, making his debut during a 1-4 friendly defeat against Japan. Subsequent manager Julian Nagelsmann kept Gross in the squad as a regular midfield option. Nagelsmann selected him for the 2024 European Championship on home soil, where Germany reached the quarter-finals and Gross featured in one match. Nagelsmann later selected him for the 2026 World Cup tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. At the World Cup, Gross made his sole tournament appearance as a 17-minute substitute during the group stage against Ecuador.

Generational change in the German squad

Gross is the third experienced player to leave the German national setup following the team's elimination by Paraguay in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, aged 40, and central defender Antonio Rüdiger, aged 33, also announced their international retirements after the tournament. New national team head coach Jürgen Klopp omitted Gross from an expanded 44-man squad preparing for four upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures scheduled for the coming weeks. Gross expressed confidence in the younger players selected by Klopp, stating that a generational transition is necessary and positive for German football.

I think it is time to wish the new generation only the best and to support them.

Club form and return to Brighton

Gross returned to Brighton & Hove Albion after a stint in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, having previously played for FC Ingolstadt 04 between 2012 and 2017. Under manager Fabian Hürzeler, the veteran midfielder has established a central role, registering four goals and four assists across eight appearances in all competitions. The 3-0 victory against Arsenal lifted Brighton into third place in the Premier League standings with 10 points from 15 available. Gross noted that he retains full enthusiasm for club competition in England even as his international career concludes.