Germany’s football team, Die Mannschaft, is one of the most successful in World Cup history. They have won the trophy four times (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014). But the last two World Cups were a disaster, as they were knocked out in the group stage in both 2018 and 2022.
With Julian Nagelsmann as coach, 2025 became a big year of rebuilding. Young talents like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz brought new energy, while experienced players helped guide the team. Germany worked hard in the UEFA Nations League and World Cup qualifiers to make it to the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
A New Start After Euro 2024
Germany had a good performance in Euro 2024, which they hosted. They reached the quarter-finals but lost 2-1 to Spain. After big stars like Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and İlkay Gündoğan retired, a new generation stepped forward.
In the Nations League, Germany topped Group A3. They beat Hungary 5-0 and drew twice with the Netherlands. They then beat Italy in the quarter-finals (5-4 on aggregate).
However, in the semi-finals, Portugal beat them 2-1 with a late Ronaldo goal. France then defeated Germany 2-0 in the third-place match. Germany finished fourth, showing progress but still missing trophies.
World Cup Qualification: Not as Easy as Expected
Because of their Nations League success, Germany got a good draw for World Cup qualifying:
Group A with Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg.
But qualifying was not smooth
| Match | Date | Result |
| Northern Ireland vs Germany | Sep 8, 2025 | 1-3 |
| Slovakia vs Germany | Sep 5, 2025 | 2-0 |
| Germany vs Luxembourg | Oct 13, 2025 | 2-0 |
| Germany vs Northern Ireland | Oct 14, 2025 | 1-0 |
| Luxembourg vs Germany | Nov 14, 2025 | 0-2 |
| Germany vs Slovakia | Nov 18, 2025 | 6-0 |
Germany won the group on goal difference and qualified directly for their 20th straight World Cup. They have never failed to qualify.
Key Players Leading the Way
Nagelsmann’s team mixes young and experienced players:
- Musiala & Wirtz: Creative attacking stars
- Nick Woltemade: New striker who surprised everyone with goals
- Joshua Kimmich: Team leader in midfield
- Marc-André ter Stegen: Main goalkeeper
- Antonio Rüdiger & Kai Havertz: Experienced players for tough matches
The attack looks strong, but the defense must improve, especially on set pieces.
The Draw: Group E – A Manageable Path?
On December 5, 2025, at Washington’s Kennedy Center, Germany drew Group E: Curaçao (debutants, the smallest nation ever to qualify), the Ivory Coast (African powerhouses), and Ecuador (CONMEBOL contenders). As Pot 1 seeds, they avoided giants like Brazil or France until the knockouts.
The schedule favors them:
- June 14, Houston (USA): vs Curaçao
- June 20, Toronto (Canada): vs Ivory Coast
- June 27, New Jersey (USA): vs Ecuador
Can Germany Win a Fifth World Cup Title?
Germany had ups and downs in 2025, but their big 6-0 win against Slovakia restored confidence. Injuries and inconsistency are still a worry, though.
Nagelsmann has a record of 17 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, which shows progress. If Musiala, Wirtz, and others stay fit, Germany can make a strong run.
The team wants to forget the failures of 2018 and 2022 and bring back Germany’s winning culture. The final in New Jersey on July 19 could be their chance to shine again.
In simple words:
Germany’s journey to the 2026 World Cup was not easy, but the team is young, talented, and hungry for success. Fans hope that this new generation can bring back the glory and add a fifth star to their badge.
