Germany head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup determined to end a decade of disappointment and re-establish themselves among football’s elite after back-to-back group-stage exits.
The four-time world champions arrive in North America with unfinished business following disastrous campaigns in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 — a dramatic fall from the side that lifted the trophy in Brazil in 2014.
Since Mario Goetze’s famous extra-time winner against Argentina at the Maracana, Germany have managed just two World Cup victories, defeating Sweden in 2018 and Costa Rica in 2022.
Now under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Germany are aiming to finally halt that downward trend when they begin their Group E campaign against Ivory Coast, Ecuador and tournament debutants Curacao.
Since taking charge two years ago, Nagelsmann has overseen a steady resurgence in the national team.
The 38-year-old coach has built his side around a blend of emerging stars and experienced leaders, with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala becoming the faces of Germany’s new generation alongside senior figures Joshua Kimmich and Antonio Rudiger.
Germany showed signs of progress by reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil before advancing to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League the following year.
On both occasions, they were eliminated by the eventual champions — Spain and Portugal.
Among Germany’s Group E opponents, Ivory Coast are expected to provide the toughest challenge.
The Elephants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and arrive as former Africa Cup of Nations champions after winning the continental title in 2023.
While the golden era of Didier Drogba and the Toure brothers has passed, Emerse Fae’s squad still possesses dangerous attacking talent in Nicolas Pepe, Amad Diallo and Wilfried Zaha.
Ivory Coast endured a disappointing Afcon title defence earlier this year after being knocked out by Egypt in the quarter-finals, but they remain determined to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing third in their groups at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments.
Curacao will make history in 2026 after becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
The Caribbean side reached the tournament unbeaten during CONCACAF qualifying, but recent form has raised concerns following friendly defeats to China and Australia in March.
Curacao will also enter the competition under new management after veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat stepped down for family reasons. Former Netherlands international Fred Rutten has since taken charge of the Blue Wave.
Ecuador could prove to be one of the tournament’s dark horses after an impressive South American qualifying campaign.
La Tri secured qualification by finishing second in CONMEBOL qualifying ahead of Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia, underlining their growing strength ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup.
With Germany under pressure to deliver and several dangerous opponents standing in their way, Group E could become one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
