Germany World Cup draw 2026: Group results, schedule, roster, coach and more to know

Germany has historically been one of international soccer’s top teams.

The nation has lifted the trophy four times, but has not done so since 2014, exiting in the group stage at each of the past two tournaments.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with young Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala leading the way, Germany will be looking to bring the trophy back to Berlin.

The Sporting News breaks down Germany’s path at the 2026 World Cup, the national team roster and how the side has performed throughout World Cup history.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Live World Cup draw tracker | Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule

Germany World Cup draw Group E

Germany, as a Pot 1 team, was drawn into Group E in the World Cup draw. Their competitors in the group will be Ecuador, Curacao and Ivory Coast.

Group match schedule

WORLD CUP DRAW BREAKDOWNS:

Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F
Group G | Group H | Group I | Group J | Group K | Group L

Germany all-time World Cup groups

Germany has appeared in every World Cup since 1954, but has failed to advance past the group stage the past two tournaments after seven consecutive top finishes within its group.

Germany World Cup snapshot 

Germany enters the World Cup draw ranked ninth in the world, barely meeting the mark to be considered a Pot 1 team for the draw. The three host countries (U.S., Canada, Mexico) were automatic Pot 1 qualifiers, then joined by the nine highest-ranked qualified teams.

Germany has won the World Cup four times, coming out on top of the global tournament in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. They’ve also been runners-up four, finishing second in 1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002. 

• Current FIFA World Ranking: No. 9 (December 2025)
• World Cup titles: 4
• World Cup appearances (last): 20 (Qatar 2022)
• How Germany qualified, W-L-D: UEFA Group A winners, 5-1-0
• World Cup record:
  • Games: 112 GP (68 W, 21 D, 23 L)
  • Goal differential: +102 (232 GS, 130 GA)

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Germany World Cup 2026 preview 

For years, Germany was considered an annual powerhouse in the World Cup, consistently contending in the tournament. The 2026 event will be about Germany re-proving itself after consecutive exits in group play in 2018 and 2022.

Germany has struggled in national competitions more than its used to in recent years. In the 2025 Nations League finals, which were in Munich, Germany fell to Portugal in the semi-finals. Additionally, in World Cup qualifiers, they lost a game in what appeared to be a favorable group.

Still, with star playmakers Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, Germany will remain a dangerous opponent in the 2026 World Cup despite its recent shortcomings. 

• Star Players: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz
• Players to Watch: Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Kai Havertz 

Who is Germany head coach?

Julian Nagelsmann has been at the helm for Germany since 2023. He previously managed TSG Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick, and when he was signed, he became Germany’s second-youngest coach at 36 years old.

Under Nagelsmann, Germany reached the quarter-finals as hosts of Euro 2024.

• Manager (Nationality): Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)
• Date hired: Sept. 22, 2023
• Record as national team manager (W-L-D): 17-6-6.
• Major titles since hire: N/A
• Notable victories: 
  • 2-0 vs. Hungary European Championship 2024
  • 2-0 vs. Denmark European Championship 2024

Germany roster at the World Cup 2026

Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, three midfielders, are set to headline the Germany roster at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Musiala will be the name to watch, however — while known as one of the best young dribblers and passers in the world, he’s still recovering from fractured fibula and dislocated ankle injuries he suffered in July 2025.

Musiala’s health will be worth monitoring as the World Cup approaches. Still, the 22-year-old Wirtz and the 30-year-old Kimmich are also among the team’s most talented players. 

In World Cup qualifying, Nick Woltemade led the way for Germany with his four goals. Goalkeeper is another intriguing position for Germany, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to be the top choice, but his injury has opened the door for others.

Germany predicted starting XI (formation: 4-2-3-1)

Ter Stegen (GK)

Gosens, Rudiger, Tah, Kehrer

Kimmich, Goretzka

Sane, Musiala, Wirtz

Havertz

Strengths: 

• Diverse skillsets: Germany boasts a nice blend of veterans and youth, and one of the best young players in the world in Musiala. The squad is also at its best when moving the ball quickly, and to its top playmakers.

Weaknesses: 

• Health: Musiala’s recovery from a fractured fibula, along with a dislocated and broken ankle, will be key for Germany, as well as how he looks after his recovery. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Kai Havertz are two more players who have dealt with injuries recently.

Germany roster for 2026 World Cup

Below is a projected 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. This will be updated when the squad is officially announced by Germany closer to the start of the tournament.

*Caps as of Nov. 16, 2025.

Germany World Cup qualifying results

Germany finished in first place in UEFA Group A, securing their automatic place in the draw in December with a game to spare following a 4-0 win over Ukraine. 

Germany World Cup history

Germany has won the World Cup four times.

• World Cups appearances: 20
• Best finish: Winners (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
• All-time goals scored: 232
• All-time goals conceded: 130
• All-time record (W-L-D): 68-23-21

*Host

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