The group-stage exit of 2022 still lingered as champions Germany sought redemption in 2026. Under Julian Nagelsmann, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Germany arrive in 2026 rebuilding from the deepest crisis in the Mannschaft's modern history: group-stage exits at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Julian Nagelsmann, appointed in late 2023 at age 36, steadied the side through a competitive Euro 2024 quarter-final on home soil. Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, and Joshua Kimmich anchor a generation that, by age and skill profile, should be peaking exactly now.
Germany showed enough quality to navigate a challenging group stage, though not without the occasional stumble. In the knockout rounds, they were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32. The agony of a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay brought a cruel end to a campaign that had promised so much more.
2won1drawn1lost
11scored5conceded
Scored in every match eliminated in the group stage.
Jamal Musiala, 23, is Germany's most creative attacking midfielder since Mesut Özil. A Bayern Munich starter since 18, he combines technical close control with a rare spatial intelligence. The 2026 tournament is his first World Cup as a certain starter.
vs Curaçao
group stage
3 scored before half-time 3 goals in 9 minutes.
Kai Havertz led Germany's attack with 3 goals 2 in the group stage and 1 in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Undav, both with 3.
Nagelsmann was the youngest head coach ever appointed at Bayern Munich and is now one of the youngest-ever World Cup coaches. His tactical boldness fluid back-threes, front-foot pressing, rotation of formations has revitalized a German football identity that had drifted since 2014. Leading Germany at his first World Cup 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss under Nagelsmann.
