Four-time world champions, two straight group-stage exits, and a new era under Julian Nagelsmann

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FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group E

The Big Picture

Germany enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of football’s greatest powers, but also as a nation seeking redemption after two consecutive group-stage exits.

The four-time world champions will make their 21st World Cup appearance and their 19th consecutive appearance at the tournament.

Coach

Julian Nagelsmann took over as Germany head coach in September 2023, becoming the youngest coach in national team history.

Known for tactical flexibility, controlled pressing, and modern possession structures, Nagelsmann has worked to rebuild Germany’s defensive stability and restore belief after disappointing World Cup campaigns in 2018 and 2022.

Group E Schedule

Road to 2026

Germany secured qualification in November 2025 by topping UEFA Group A with five wins from six matches and a 16-3 goal difference.

After opening with a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia, Nagelsmann’s team responded strongly and sealed qualification with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia in the final match.

World Cup History

• Confederation: UEFA
• World Cup appearances: 21
• Best result: Champions (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
• Last appearance: Qatar 2022 – Group Stage
• First appearance: Italy 1934 – Third place
• All-time World Cup record: 112 matches, 68 wins, 21 draws, 23 losses, 232 goals scored, 130 conceded

The Greatest World Cup

Germany has won four World Cups, but the most emotional triumph remains the “Miracle of Bern” in 1954.

After losing 8-3 to Hungary in the group stage, West Germany stunned the heavily favored Hungarians 3-2 in the final, with Helmut Rahn scoring the winner in the 84th minute.

The Last World Cup

Qatar 2022 ended in disappointment for Germany, just as Russia 2018 had. The team lost to Japan, drew with Spain, and beat Costa Rica, but still finished third in the group on goal difference.

Legendary Players

Miroslav Klose is Germany’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 16 goals, the highest total by any player in men’s World Cup history.

Lothar Matthäus holds Germany’s World Cup appearance record with 25 matches across five tournaments, captaining the team to the 1990 title.

Players to Watch

• Jamal Musiala – Creative superstar and one of Europe’s most dangerous young attackers.
• Florian Wirtz – Brilliant playmaker with elite vision and final-third quality.
• Kai Havertz – Versatile forward capable of leading the line or connecting play.
• Antonio Rüdiger – Defensive leader with experience, speed, and intensity.

Greatest World Cup Moments

Germany’s 7-1 semi-final victory over Brazil in 2014 remains one of the most shocking results in World Cup history. By the 30-minute mark, Germany already led 5-0 in Belo Horizonte.

Other unforgettable moments include the 1970 “Game of the Century” against Italy, the 1982 penalty shootout victory over France in Seville, and the emotional home tournament of 2006.

Biggest World Cup Victory

Germany’s largest World Cup win came in 2002, when they defeated Saudi Arabia 8-0 in the group stage. Miroslav Klose scored a hat trick, all with headers.

2026 Expectations

Germany does not enter World Cups simply to compete. After two painful early exits, the Mannschaft arrives in 2026 determined to restore its reputation among the world’s elite.

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Goalkeepers

• #1 Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
• #12 Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim, Germany)
• #21 Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart, Germany)

Defenders

• #2 Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Spain)
• #3 Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
• #4 Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich, Germany)
• #6 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, Germany)
• #18 Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany)
• #15 Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
• #22 David Raum (RB Leipzig, Germany)
• #24 Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United, England)

Midfielders

• #5 Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich, Germany)
• #8 Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich, Germany)
• #9 Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart, Germany)
• #13 Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
• #16 Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart, Germany)
• #20 Nadiem Amiri (Mainz 05, Germany)
• #23 Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
• #25 Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Forwards

• #7 Kai Havertz (Arsenal, England)
• #10 Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany)
• #11 Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United, England)
• #14 Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund, Germany)
• #17 Florian Wirtz (Liverpool, England)
• #19 Leroy Sané (Galatasaray, Turkey)
• #26 Deniz Undav (Stuttgart, Germany)

Head Coach

• Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)