Germany: A Quest to Reclaim World Cup Glory After Two Disappointing Tournaments
Al Jazeera Staff
Germany is on a mission to reclaim World Cup glory after early exits in 2018 and 2022. Under Julian Nagelsmann, the team blends young talents like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz with experienced leaders such as Manuel Neuer, who made a surprise return to the squad. They face a manageable group stage but must resolve key tactical questions, particularly at striker.
Germany has set its sights on a major goal at the 2026 World Cup after suffering heavy group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, the team has shown marked improvement, qualifying with five wins in six matches.
The squad combines the youthful brilliance of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz with the experience of Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer—who surprisingly reversed his retirement from international duty after Euro 2024. Neuer, now 40, has been tapped as Nagelsmann's first-choice keeper.
Aiming to Break the Group-Stage 'Curse'
Gary Lineker's famous quip—“Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes, and at the end, the Germans always win”—rang hollow after Germany's group-stage exits in 2018 (losing to South Korea) and 2022 (falling to Japan).
Nagelsmann took charge in September 2023 and restored the team's pride. At Euro 2024 on home soil, Germany performed well, only bowing out to Spain in the quarterfinals. The squad now brims with optimism, ready for the upcoming World Cup.
The Lethal 'Trio' in Attack
Germany's ambitions hinge on a youthful attacking trio: Jamal Musiala (23), Florian Wirtz, and Lennart Karl (18). Musiala was the standout star at Euro 2024, but a severe injury suffered with Bayern Munich in July 2025 sidelined him for months; he now features only from the bench. Germany hopes he will recover in time for the tournament's kickoff on June 11.
Wirtz, after an initial tough spell at Liverpool, has rediscovered his form. Karl, the 18-year-old Bayern talent, has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi for his dribbling and low center of gravity, scoring in both the Champions League and Bundesliga.
The Surprise Return
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who retired from international duty after Euro 2024, made a shock inclusion in the 26-man squad—a move Nagelsmann described as bringing “influence on opponents, teammates, and the ability to create special moments.” Despite Neuer's return, Kimmich retains the captain's armband.
Open Questions
Several starting spots are nearly locked: Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic in central midfield, Kimmich at right-back. However, the striker position remains a puzzle. Niclas Fullkrug was dropped due to poor form; Newcastle's Nick Woltemade made the squad but performs better when dropping deep. Kai Havertz is likely to be deployed as a “false nine,” even though it's not his natural role.
Despite the challenges, Nagelsmann declared: “I've said many times we want to become world champions.”
A Manageable Group
Germany landed in Group E, considered relatively easy. They open against Curacao on June 14—the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Next up is Ivory Coast (June 20), a stiffer test, and they wrap up against Ecuador (June 25), a defensively solid side. Germany hopes to reach the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years.
Group Stage Schedule for Germany
14 June: Germany vs Curacao (Houston, USA), 12:00 local (17:00 GMT)
20 June: Germany vs Ivory Coast (Toronto, Canada), 16:00 (20:00 GMT)
25 June: Ecuador vs Germany (East Rutherford, USA), 16:00 (20:00 GMT)
Germany's 2026 World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart).
Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (captain, Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United).
Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Pascal Gross (Brighton).
Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund).
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann.
