When discussing top international soccer teams, Germany is certainly among the most recognized. The national team has an impressive history, having clinched four World Cup titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014) and three European Championships (1972, 1980, 1996). After not advancing past the group stages in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Germany is now focusing on reconstructing its lineup, blending seasoned players with fresh talent. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Germany bears the weight of its storied legacy and aspires to achieve significant success in the upcoming tournament.
How They Qualified
Germany secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing first in Group A of UEFA’s qualifications, avoiding playoffs by defeating Slovakia with a strong 6-0 performance, marking their 19th consecutive World Cup appearance.
Upcoming Matches in Group Stage:
- June 14: Germany vs. Curaçao — Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET)
- June 20: Germany vs. Ivory Coast — Toronto Stadium (4 p.m. ET)
- June 25: Germany vs. Ecuador — New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (4 p.m. ET)
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire & Ecuador
Past World Cup Participation
Germany has appeared in numerous World Cups over the years: 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Best World Cup Finishes
- Champions: 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Key Players to Watch
- Florian Wirtz: A prominent attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz has been vital in the Bundesliga and Europa League, contributing greatly to his team’s recent successes and is a consistent member of Germany’s squad since 2021.
- Jamal Musiala: Competing for Bayern Munich, Musiala has helped lead Germany to the EURO 2024 semifinals and has multiple titles under his belt.
- Joshua Kimmich: With 106 caps, Kimmich is a seasoned player for Bayern Munich, renowned for his exceptional performance in various positions on the field and multiple championship accolades.
Manager Overview
Julian Nagelsmann took charge of the German national team in 2023. Previously managing RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann is known for his adept tactical strategies and data-driven methods, leading the team through a challenging qualification period.
All-Time Leaders
- Leading Scorer: Miroslav Klose - 71 goals. He holds the record for the most career goals in World Cup history at 16.
- Caps Leader: Lothar Matthäus - 150 caps.
Team Nickname
- Die Mannschaft / Die Nationalelf
Germany Overview
- Population: Approximately 83.6 million
- Capital: Berlin
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