Germany has arrived in the United States for the 2026 World Cup with muted expectations, as the four-time champions confront a period marked by underperformance, injuries, and a perceived loss of their traditional dominance. Under the guidance of head coach Julian Nagelsmann, the squad seeks to restore national pride following disappointing showings in recent tournaments.
Since their triumph in Brazil in 2014, highlighted by a decisive victory over the host nation and Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner in the final, Germany’s performance on soccer’s biggest stage has diminished. They failed to advance beyond the group stage at the 2018 World Cup, marking the first such early exit in 80 years, and similarly struggled in Qatar in 2022 despite a late surge in scoring. This downturn has raised questions about Germany’s consistency in major competitions, with midfielder Kai Havertz expressing doubts about the team’s ability to contend at the highest level after their 2022 elimination.
The current squad faces a challenging group that includes Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and World Cup debutants Curaçao. Germany is set to open its campaign against Curaçao in Houston. Ranked tenth by FIFA, Germany enters the tournament as heavy favorites against the Caribbean nation, ranked 82nd, with a population roughly the size of Heidelberg. This matchup rekindles a historic rivalry with the Dutch, as Curaçao’s manager, Dick Advocaat, returns after stepping down last year. At 78, Advocaat is poised to become the oldest manager in World Cup history. He previously led the Netherlands at the 1994 tournament, among eight national teams he has overseen during his long coaching career.
Germany’s recent form under Nagelsmann has been inconsistent. Despite a strong showing at the home European Championship where they reached the quarterfinals, persistent issues remain. The squad lacks a natural centre forward, and defensive vulnerabilities continue to surface. Bayern Munich’s domestic success has not fully translated to the national team’s offensive output, which does not benefit directly from Bayern’s recent attacking contributions.
Injuries have also impacted squad selection. Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl are sidelined, with the latter’s injury opening a spot for 20-year-old Assan Ouedraogo from Leipzig, who was unexpectedly called up while on holiday. Leroy Sane, returning to the team after a stint at Galatasaray, is expected to fill a starting role. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz is likely to lead the attack, supported by talents such as Jamal Musiala—who recently returned from a long-term injury—and Florian Wirtz, who is aiming to regain form after a challenging season.
The return of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at age 40 symbolizes Germany’s efforts to stabilize the squad. Neuer, who initially retired from international duty less than two years ago, reclaimed the No. 1 position from Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann shortly before the tournament. Neuer is preparing to participate in his fifth World Cup, underscoring both his longevity and the broader identity challenges facing the German national team as it looks to reclaim its former glory on the global stage.
Germany’s strategy during this tournament appears focused squarely on football itself, steering clear of political issues that dominated the previous World Cup in Qatar. The team notably supported fans by financing transportation for 600 supporters from New York to New Jersey for their final group match, emphasizing a concerted effort to unite around sporting objectives. With a revised tournament format increasing the likelihood of progressing from the group stage, Germany aims to return to the knockout rounds after a period of uncharacteristic struggles.