Germany World Cup 2026 guide: Fixtures, prediction, key player and odds | OneFootball

Germany always have the potential to go deep into the World Cup - but the last two tournaments have ended at the group stage.

Germany may not be the force they once were on the international scene, but the four-time World Cup winners will be quietly confident of a good showing this summer.

Following their latest victory in 2014, Germany have exited the last two editions of the World Cup at the Group Stage, a trend they will need to halt in order to meet expectations under Julian Nagelsmann. Since the former Bayern Munich boss’s appointment in 2023 the signs have been promising for Die Mannschaft.

An aging squad brimming with experience is supplemented by younger talents such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, but only time will tell if Nagelsmann has found the perfect mix for World Cup success.

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Antonio Rudiger, Nathaniel Brown, Malick Thiaw

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Lennart Karl, Angelo Stiller, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Felix Nmecha, Nadiem Amiri, Pascal Gross

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier

Germany World Cup fixtures

(all times BST)

Germany vs Curacao (6pm on June 14, NRG Stadium)

Germany vs Ivory Coast (9pm on June 20, BMO Field)

Ecuador vs Germany (9pm on June 25, MetLife Stadium)

Julian Nagelsmann, the man tasked with improving upon Germany’s recent World Cup woes

After group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, just getting to the knockout stages would be a relief for the Germans. There is more than enough quality to see Germany reaching at least the quarter finals, but their group - and knockout draw - could pose a few challenges.

The Ivory Coast may lack true stars as they did in the 2010s, but they are a handy outfit. Ecuador’s current crop will also fancy their chances against Germany. First-timers Curacao will be expected to be swatted aside, but a stuttering start in Germany’s opening game could cause panic over a third-straight group stage exit.

If Germany top the group they would be involved in the first round of 32 game, limiting rest days. Of course, shocks can happen - look at Germany’s last two World Cups - but if the favourites in each group advance as winners, the Germans are on track to face neighbours France in the round of 16. As such, it is hard to see Nagelsmann’s side making a deep run in the competition.

The biggest names in the Germany squad have been around for some time, with their presence providing much needed experience. Manuel Neuer starred in goal when Germany last won the tournament in 2014, whilst Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Antonio Rudiger all have trophy-filled cabinets.

However, Germany’s biggest star is attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala, the 23-year-old having established his position with his displays during the 2024 Euros held in Germany.

Jamal Musiala chose to play for Germany over England

AP

The World Cup this summer marks his fourth major tournament with Germany already, but the pressure to create and score will be heightened after quiet Premier League debut seasons for fellow attackers Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade.

Musiala stepped up in 2024, scoring three times, but he might have to take his game to another level still in order to drag Germany deep into the competition.

To win the World Cup: 11/1