Germany are one of football’s most decorated nations – four World Cup titles, eight final appearances and a history of producing world-class talent across every generation. But the recent past has been painful.
Back-to-back group stage exits in 2018 and 2022 left German football searching for answers. Julian Nagelsmann, appointed in 2023, has provided them – rebuilding Die Mannschaft into a pressing, fast and expressive side that reaches its first World Cup under his full control.
How they got there
Germany qualified by winning UEFA Group A with five wins from six matches – scoring 16 goals and conceding just three. They finished ahead of Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg to seal automatic qualification with a game to spare.
It was a dominant campaign that restored confidence after years of underperformance at major tournaments.
Best ever World Cup finish
Germany have won the World Cup four times – in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. Their 1954 triumph – the Miracle of Bern, when West Germany beat Hungary 3-2 – remains one of the most celebrated moments in football history.
Their most recent title came in 2014 in Brazil – beating the hosts 7-1 in the semi-finals before defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final in Rio.
Iconic moments
The 7-1 demolition of Brazil at the Estadio Mineirao remains one of the most extraordinary results in World Cup history. Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner against Argentina in the final sealed Germany’s fourth title – and Nagelsmann’s side will be desperate to create moments of their own in North America.
Players to watch
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) – The 23-year-old makes his first World Cup appearance as one of the most gifted attacking midfielders in the world. Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen and carries Germany’s creative load – a left-footed playmaker with elite vision and the ability to unlock any defence.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) – Germany’s most unpredictable weapon. The 23-year-old returned from a serious injury and goes straight back into Nagelsmann’s plans. Even at less than full fitness Musiala is one of the most dangerous players at this tournament.
Fixtures
14 Jun: Germany vs Curacao – NRG Stadium, Houston – 19:00 SAST
20 Jun: Germany vs Ivory Coast – BMO Field, Toronto – 22:00 SAST
25 Jun: Ecuador vs Germany – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey – 22:00 SAST
Photo: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
