Bayern Munich youngster Badstuber was a surprise inclusion by national boss Joachim Low ahead of the finals.
The 21-year-old earned his maiden international call when selected for Germany's preliminary squad only nine months after making the first of eight appearances for the Under-21s, and his debut in the Bayern first team.
But there have been no questions about Badstuber's ability as he has earned rave reviews during Bayern's Bundesliga campaign and their march to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
A powerful centre-back by trade, the product of Bayern's youth Academy is also capable of operating on the left of defence if needed to add vital versatility to a World Cup squad.
Bayern reacted quickly to Badstuber's reliable form this season and he signed a new contract in February to keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2014.
Badstuber is also a danger from set-pieces and possesses a vicious free-kick, while he is also reliable from the penalty spot.
