Why Germany have already won their World Cup group | OneFootball

7-1 against Curaçao, 2-1 against Ivory Coast - Germany fans have every reason to celebrate.

Germany's World Cup campaign could hardly have started any better. Following impressive victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast, Julian Nagelsmann's side have already secured their place in the Round of 32 - and not just that: they are guaranteed to finish top of Group E.

The decisive moment came after Ecuador and Curaçao played out a 0-0 draw, ensuring that neither side can catch Germany's points tally. With six points from two matches, Germany are mathematically assured of progressing as group winners before their final group-stage fixture.

Some supporters may wonder what would happen if Ivory Coast beat Curaçao in their last match while Germany were to lose against Ecuador. In that scenario, both Germany and Ivory Coast would finish on six points.

However, Germany would still remain top of the group. Unlike previous World Cups, where goal difference often served as the primary tiebreaker, the head-to-head result takes precedence in this tournament format. Since Germany defeated Ivory Coast 2-1, they would finish ahead of the Africans regardless of any swing in goal difference.

In other words, even in the highly unlikely event of Germany suffering a heavy defeat while Ivory Coast record a big win, the Germans would still claim first place in Group E thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

As a result, Germany can already begin preparing for the knockout stages. The Group E winners will play their Round of 32 tie at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, USA, on June 29, where they will face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, B, C, D or F.

For German football fans, the achievement carries added significance. It marks the first time since 2014 that Germany have successfully navigated the group stage of a World Cup tournament.

And as every German supporter knows, the last time that happened in 2014, it ended with a trophy being lifted…