FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Germany
(image via Getty Images)
As the world now turns its attention to the biggest tournament in football, Germany arrives in Houston with a blend of established stars, emerging talent, and expectations that always follow one of the sport’s traditional powerhouses. With a squad featuring experienced veterans alongside some of Europe’s brightest young players, Germany enters the tournament looking to add another chapter to its rich football history. Here’s a closer look at the roster, key storylines, and what to expect from the Germans heading into the competition.
Team Information
- FIFA Ranking: 10
- Confederation: UEFA
- Manager: Julian Nagelsmann
- Captain: Joshua Kimmich
- Nickname: Nationalelf
- World Cup Appearance: 19th
- Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1964, 1974, 1990, 2014)
- World Cup Group: E
How They Qualified
Germany competed in Group A of UEFA qualifying. After losing the opening match in the group away to Slovakia, the Germans won the their next five to win the group and qualify directly for the World Cup finals.
Qualification Record
- Wins: 5
- Draws: 0
- Losses: 1
- Goals Scored: 16
- Goals Conceded: 3
Notable Qualifying Result
Germany entered the last matchday tied with Slovakia on points. Having lost to them earlier in the group stage, the Germans made no mistake at home. Leroy Sane scored twice and Germany ran away 6-0 winners to cement themselves as Group A winners.
Last Five Matches
- Northern Ireland 0-1 Germany (World Cup Qualification)
- Luxembourg 0-2 Germany (World Cup Qualification)
- Germany 6-0 Slovakia (World Cup Qualification)
- Switzerland 3-4 Germany (Friendly)
- Germany 2-1 Ghana (Friendly)
World Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)
Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (Leipzig), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Pascal Groß (Brighton), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich),
Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray)
Key Players
Joshua Kimmich — Midfielder/Defender, Bayern Munich
The 31-year-old will be competing in his third FIFA World Cup. The veteran has 108 caps for Germany and his ability to play in midfield or at fullback gives Nagelsmann versatlity in building his lineup.
Manuel Neuer — Goalkeeper, Bayern Munich
The 40-year-old stunned the football world recently as he announced he was coming out of retirement to play for Germany in this FIFA World Cup. Neuer looks like he is not only returning, but will be starting in goal. His last match for Germany was in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, on home soil, in a 2-1 loss to eventual champion Spain.
Jamal Musiala — Attacking Midielder, Bayern Munich
Musiala is still just 23-years-old but the Bayern star will lead this vaunted German attack in this tournament. He broke his leg at last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States but recovered to make 15 appearances this season for Bayern with three goals and four assists.
Young Player to Watch
Lennart Karl — Attacking Midfielder/Winger, Bayern Munich
If you got a chance to watch Bayern Munich this season, you would have seen the impressive talent that Karl has. He just turned 18-years-old earlier this year but became a key piece for the German champions with five goals and five assists in 26 appearances in the Bundesliga and another four goals and two assists in the UEFA Champions League. It will be interesting to see how Nagelsmann uses Karl but he is definitely one to keep an eye on in this tournament.
Predicted Starting XI
Biggest Storyline
After winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany has been eliminated in the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. The 2026 edition is about redemption for the Germans. Their core of veterans like Neuer, Tah, and Kimmich return, buoyed by a good young core around them and the attacking firepower of Wirtz, Musiala, and Havertz.
One Reason They Can Make a Deep Run
On paper, this Germany team has everything you would look for in a team that can win a World Cup title. Their defense is as experienced as you can get. The midfield, led by the Bayern Munich duo of Gortezka and Pavlovic has played so many games together already this past season. An attack spearheaded by Musiala and Wirtz, with Havertz playing up top as a number nine, should score a lot of goals. There’s no reason to believe this team doesn’t go very deep this summer.
One Reason They Could Struggle
With veteran leadership comes veteran age. Neuer is on the other side of 40 and a number of their key starters are in their 30s. Their savvy and expertise should lead this team but you know the saying, it’s a young man’s game. Havertz also seems to always be a question mark. He’s played everywhere, including left back, for Germany but Nagelsmann will have him leading the line. If he struggles to find his goal-scoring boots, Germany could have some issues.
Best-Case Scenario
Champions
Likely Finish
Quarterfinals or Semifinals, depending on the knockout draw
Floor
Round of 32
Quick Facts
Most Caps in Squad: Manuel Neuer - 124
Top Scorer in Squad: Kai Havertz - 21
Average Squad Age: 27.0 years old
Previous World Cup Finish: Eliminated in Group Stage in 2022
Final Thoughts
There are a number of marquee teams coming to Houston in the coming weeks but Germany may just be the biggest of those stars. The four-time World Cup champions play an exciting brand of football with global stars that most fans will recognize. If you can get your hands on a ticket to see the Germans play, enjoy not only the football, but the spectacle that will go along with it.
