Germany at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Germany is one of the most successful nations in World Cup history, having won the tournament four times: 1954 (as West Germany), 1974 (as hosts), 1990, and 2014 in Brazil. They have also finished as runners-up four times and reached the third-place play-off on four occasions, giving them 12 top-three finishes in 20 tournaments before 2026. At Russia 2018 they suffered a shocking first-round exit as defending champions, and at Qatar 2022 they again failed to advance from the group stage, making 2026 a tournament where they arrive under significant pressure to reclaim their historic standing.

Qualification

Germany qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning UEFA qualifying Group A, finishing with 15 points from six matches (five wins, one loss). Their campaign was not without drama: they opened with a 2-0 home defeat to Slovakia but recovered emphatically, including a 6-0 demolition of Slovakia in the final qualifier that secured top spot. The group also included Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. This was Germany's 19th consecutive World Cup appearance.

Preparation

Germany topped Group E with 6 points but were eliminated in the Round of 32 on June 29, drawing 1-1 with Paraguay at Gillette Stadium (Enciso 42', Havertz 54') before losing 4-3 on penalties, their first-ever World Cup shoot-out defeat. A Jonathan Tah extra-time header was disallowed after VAR awarded a free-kick against Germany, and Havertz and Woltemade missed in the shoot-out. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann resigned on July 3 following the exit; the DFB is in advanced talks with Jürgen Klopp as his successor, not yet officially confirmed as of July 16.

Latest news

Klopp-DFB talks advance but Red Bull release and DFB governance approval still pending

· coach

DFB president Neuendorf and vice-president Watzke met Klopp in New York, reaching basic agreement on contract terms for the Bundestrainer role. Confirmation still needs Klopp's release from Red Bull and DFB governance approval; as of mid-July no press conference has been held.

Julian Nagelsmann resigns as Bundestrainer after World Cup exit; DFB opens talks with Jürgen Klopp

· coach

DFB confirmed July 3 the mutual dissolution of Nagelsmann's contract as coach, after a three-hour meeting with DFB leadership (Neuendorf, Völler) on July 2 in Frankfurt; his contract ran through Euro 2028. Nagelsmann: 'After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve an unencumbered new beginning.' DFB will seek talks with Klopp, who has signalled willingness; next match is Netherlands, Sept 24.

Nagelsmann rules out immediate resignation, blasts disallowed Tah goal as 'a complete scandal'

· coach

The day after elimination, Nagelsmann initially ruled out resigning: 'I am not resigning. If the DFB want me to stay until 2028, I will. If not, I'll leave this project.' He blasted the disallowed Tah header, telling ZDF: 'It's a scandal... a complete scandal.' Neuer, Havertz, Amiri and Tah gave post-match reactions expressing disappointment.

Germany eliminated: 1-1 draw with Paraguay, lose 4-3 on penalties in first-ever WC shoot-out defeat

· matches

Germany were eliminated in the Round of 32, drawing 1-1 with Paraguay (Enciso 42', Havertz 54') before losing the shoot-out 4-3. Tah's extra-time header was disallowed after VAR ruled a foul on the goalkeeper. Havertz and Woltemade missed spot-kicks; Canale scored the winner. Germany's first-ever WC shoot-out loss, third straight tournament exiting early (2018, 2022).

Völler optimistic on Nathaniel Brown for Paraguay: 'I expect him to train today'

· injuries

Germany director of professional football Rudi Völler was optimistic about Nathaniel Brown's availability for the Round of 32 against Paraguay (June 29, Foxborough); Brown missed the Ecuador match with an adductor issue. Völler said: 'We are all hoping he will be ready by Monday. There are still two days to go, and I expect him to train today.' David Raum is on standby if Brown is not cleared.

Ecuador 2-1 Germany: Plata late winner ends Germany's 11-match winning streak in group finale

· matches

Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 from behind at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, ending Germany's 11-match winning streak one short of their national record. Sané scored in the 2nd minute; Angulo equalized from 20 yards (9'). VAR overturned a second-half German penalty before Plata sealed the win (77'). Germany top Group E with 6 points; Ecuador advanced as a best third-placed team. Attendance: 80,663.

Nagelsmann confirms minimal rotation vs Ecuador: only two changes, Undav stays on bench

· squad

Ahead of the Ecuador finale, Nagelsmann confirmed he would make only two changes to the XI: Antonio Rüdiger in for the injured Schlotterbeck and David Raum in for the precautionary-rested Brown. Deniz Undav, despite scoring three goals from the bench in two matches, remains a substitute. Nagelsmann said the team needed to maintain rhythm and chemistry built over their first two games.

Nathaniel Brown ruled out vs Ecuador with minor adductor issue; David Raum steps in

· injuries

Nathaniel Brown trained individually with minor adductor problems in Germany's final session before the Ecuador match and was ruled out as a precaution. Nagelsmann opted not to risk the left-back with Germany already confirmed as Group E winners; David Raum starts in his place. The knock is not considered serious and is limited to this fixture.

Schlotterbeck ruled out of the World Cup: MRI confirms torn medial ligament in left ankle, several months out

· injuries

MRI (June 22) confirmed torn medial ligament in Schlotterbeck's left ankle, sustained vs Ivory Coast (June 21). DFB: out for the tournament, sidelined several months. No replacement called up; Rüdiger starts alongside Tah. Nagelsmann: 'We'll miss Schlotti enormously. His ability to play out from the back is exceptional.' Schlotterbeck: 'What matters now is the team.'

Schlotterbeck forced off at half-time vs Ivory Coast with medial ligament issue; MRI scheduled

· injuries

Schlotterbeck was substituted off at half-time vs Ivory Coast with a medial ligament problem, replaced by Rudiger. Nagelsmann: 'He has an issue with his medial ligament and needs to have an MRI tomorrow. It's not looking too good, unfortunately.' MRI scheduled for Sunday June 22; availability for the Ecuador finale (June 25) is uncertain.

Neuer sets sole World Cup goalkeeper record with 21st appearance, surpassing Lloris

· general

Manuel Neuer's appearance against Ivory Coast on June 21 gave him 21 World Cup matches as a goalkeeper, making him the outright record holder, surpassing France's Hugo Lloris (20 appearances). Nagelsmann extended his coaching record to 23 wins in 35 matches (win rate 64.71%), his 11th consecutive victory, averaging 2.12 points per match - third-best among all Germany coaches.

Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast: Undav brace from the bench seals comeback in Toronto to clinch knockout spot

· matches

Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 at BMO Field, Toronto, qualifying for the Round of 16. Kessie put Ivory Coast ahead (30'), but substitute Undav equalised (68') and struck the winner in the 90+4th minute. Schlotterbeck was withdrawn at half-time with a medial ligament concern. Germany's 11th consecutive win; Undav named Player of the Match.

Germany travel to Toronto ahead of June 20 Ivory Coast clash in Group E

· general

Germany relocated from their Winston-Salem base camp to Toronto on June 19 ahead of their second Group E match against Ivory Coast at BMO Field on June 20 (22:00 CEST). The match is broadcast on ZDF and MagentaTV in Germany. The German fan section of 2,500 supporters was sold out. Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opener.

Neuer becomes Germany's oldest World Cup player ever at 40y 79d, breaking Matthäus's record

· general

By starting against Curacao on June 14, Manuel Neuer (40 years and 79 days) became the oldest German player ever at a major international tournament, surpassing Lothar Matthäus's record set at Euro 2000 (39 years, 91 days). Neuer also became only the second German to appear at five FIFA World Cups, joining Matthäus. It was his 20th World Cup appearance overall.

Germany 7-1 Curacao: Havertz double and five other scorers in dominant World Cup opener

· matches

Germany opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 7-1 rout of debutants Curacao at NRG Stadium in Houston. Nmecha (6'), Schlotterbeck (38'), Havertz pen. (45+5'), Musiala (47'), Brown (68'), Undav (78') and Havertz (88') scored. Curacao's Livano Comenencia scored their first World Cup goal (21'). 23.4 million German viewers on ARD (70.2% share); Germany's second-biggest WC win.

Bonus negotiations ongoing: Tah says deal is close as Germany count down to Curacao opener

· general

The DFB and Germany players are still negotiating World Cup bonus payments ahead of the opener against Curacao. Jonathan Tah, handling talks alongside captain Kimmich, told a press conference: 'Yes, we're close, it's looking good.' DFB president Neuendorf had previously called talks 'constructive'. The highest prior bonus was EUR 300,000 per player (2014 winners).

Chancellor Merz calls Germany squad in Winston-Salem to wish them luck

· general

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz phoned the Germany squad at their Winston-Salem base camp ahead of the World Cup opener. Captain Joshua Kimmich assured the Chancellor: 'Die Stimmung passt, um Spiele zu gewinnen' (the mood is right to win matches). Merz encouraged the players: 'Ganz Deutschland hält euch die Daumen!' (all of Germany is rooting for you).

Neuer back in full team training in Winston-Salem, on course to start the opener vs Curacao

· injuries

Manuel Neuer has rejoined full team training at Germany's World Cup base camp in Winston-Salem after completing his recovery from the calf injury that had kept him out of the Finland and USA friendlies. The 40-year-old captain is set to start in goal for the 14 June opener against Curacao in Houston as planned, with Oliver Baumann having deputised during the warm-ups.

Germany move into Winston-Salem World Cup base camp with first open training session

· general

Germany arrived at their FIFA World Cup base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on 8 June, staying at The Graylyn Estate and training at Wake Forest University's well-kept grass pitches. They held their first public training session there, opening the build-up to the 14 June opener against Curacao in Houston.

Lennart Karl ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh tear; Assan Ouédraogo called up

· squad

Bayern's Lennart Karl suffered a muscle fibre tear in his left thigh during Germany's final Chicago training session and was ruled out of the World Cup. RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo (20) was named as his replacement. Nagelsmann: 'I feel incredibly sorry for Lenny... it is a huge shock that he will miss the World Cup.' Ouédraogo has one senior cap and goal (vs Slovakia, 17 Nov 2025).

Nagelsmann confirms Neuer will start the World Cup opener vs Curacao after sitting out the USA friendly

· injuries

Manuel Neuer was rested for the USA friendly (6 June), still recovering from the calf injury he suffered on 16 May against Köln, with Oliver Baumann in goal. After the 2-1 win Nagelsmann told RTL: 'Manu will start training next week and play against Curaçao', clearing the 40-year-old to start the 14 June opener and ending speculation over his fitness.

Germany 2-1 USA: Havertz and Sané seal a ninth straight win in the final World Cup warm-up

· matches

Germany beat co-hosts USA 2-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago in their final pre-tournament friendly. Kai Havertz headed in a Kimmich free-kick (2'), Antonee Robinson levelled (37'), and Leroy Sané struck the winner from a Havertz pass (57'). Oliver Baumann started in goal with Neuer rested; Antonio Rüdiger sat out for tactical reasons but stays in the squad. Germany's ninth straight win.

Neuer absent from Germany's first Chicago session, trains individually; USA friendly increasingly doubtful

· injuries

Manuel Neuer missed Germany's first World Cup training in Chicago on 3 June, doing individual work on his return from the calf injury that cost him Bayern's DFB-Pokal final. With all 25 other squad members on the pitch, his Saturday USA warm-up is doubtful; Nagelsmann and medical staff decide after closed sessions Thu/Fri. Aim is fitness for the Curacao opener. Baumann starts if Neuer cannot.

Germany's pre-tournament schedule: fly to USA 2 Jun, friendly in Chicago 6 Jun, base camp Winston-Salem from 8 Jun

· general

After the Finland win, Germany fly to the USA on 2 June and open a second training camp in Chicago. Their final warm-up is against co-host USA in Chicago on 6 June (20:30 CET), after which the team moves into its World Cup base camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on 8 June, ahead of the opener vs Curacao on 14 June.

Undav limps off vs Finland but plays down injury: 'nothing serious, a few days of treatment'

· injuries

Deniz Undav was forced off injured shortly after scoring his second goal against Finland, but quickly eased fears. Speaking to ZDF he said he felt 'a bit of pain but nothing bad' and that 'a few days of treatment and it should be fine', joking 'my butt cheek just hurts'. The knock is a minor gluteal strain and his World Cup participation is not in doubt.

Germany 4-0 Finland: Undav double and Wirtz, Musiala strikes in final home warm-up

· matches

Germany beat Finland 4-0 at the Mewa Arena in Mainz in their penultimate pre-World Cup friendly. Deniz Undav opened the scoring (34') and added a second (57'), with Florian Wirtz (48') and Jamal Musiala (63') also on target. Oliver Baumann started in goal as Manuel Neuer was rested as a precaution over his calf. It was Germany's eighth straight win.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Manuel NeuerGKFC Bayern München
Oliver BaumannGKTSG Hoffenheim
Alexander NübelGKVfB Stuttgart
Jonathan TahDFFC Bayern München
Joshua KimmichDFFC Bayern München
Nico SchlotterbeckDFBorussia Dortmund
Antonio RüdigerDFReal Madrid
David RaumDFRB Leipzig
Nathaniel BrownDFEintracht Frankfurt
Waldemar AntonDFBorussia Dortmund
Malick ThiawDFNewcastle United
Pascal GroßMFBrighton & Hove Albion
Leon GoretzkaMFFC Bayern München
Aleksandar PavlovićMFFC Bayern München
Felix NmechaMFBorussia Dortmund
Nadiem AmiriMF1. FSV Mainz 05
Angelo StillerMFVfB Stuttgart
Assan OuédraogoMFRB Leipzig
Jamal MusialaMFFC Bayern München
Florian WirtzMFLiverpool
Kai HavertzFWArsenal
Nick WoltemadeFWNewcastle United
Deniz UndavFWVfB Stuttgart
Jamie LewelingFWVfB Stuttgart
Leroy SanéFWGalatasaray
Maximilian BeierFWBorussia Dortmund

Recent results

  • 2024-03-23 — FRA 0-2 GER (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — GER 2-1 NED (friendly)
  • 2024-06-03 — GER 0-0 UKR (friendly)
  • 2024-06-07 — GER 2-1 GRE (friendly)
  • 2025-09-04 — SVK 2-0 GER (qualification)
  • 2025-09-07 — GER 3-1 NIR (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — GER 4-0 LUX (qualification)
  • 2025-10-13 — NIR 0-1 GER (qualification)
  • 2025-11-14 — LUX 0-2 GER (qualification)
  • 2025-11-17 — GER 6-0 SVK (qualification)
  • 2026-03-27 — SUI 3-4 GER (friendly)
  • 2026-03-30 — GER 2-1 GHA (friendly)
  • 2026-05-31 — GER 4-0 FIN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-06 — USA 1-2 GER (friendly)
  • 2026-06-14 — GER 7-1 CUW (group)
  • 2026-06-21 — CIV 1-2 GER (group)
  • 2026-06-25 — ECU 2-1 GER (group)
  • 2026-06-29 — GER 1-1 PAR (round_of_32)

View Group E →