Germany will be heading to its 19th consecutive FIFA World Cup next summer, looking to continue the success that the country has maintained for decades. Germany won the tournament just over 10 years ago, in the 2024 FIFA World Cup and will look to find that same success again this year.
With four total tournament titles, Germany is one of the most decorated teams participating in the tournament, having won the 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014 iterations of the tournament. After recording five wins and just one loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification stage, Germany currently sits as the 9th ranked team in the world.
Germany has been unable to replicate their previous success in the past two tournaments since winning in 2014, finishing in 22nd and 17th place. In one of the most recent international tournaments, Germany hosted the 2024 UEFA European Championship, where the team finished in 5th place, defeating Scotland, Hungary and Denmark en-route to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Spain.
The 2024 UEFA European Championship served as a sign of improvement for the team and a potential return to their top form. After losing their first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification round to Slovakia by a score of 2-0, Germany has since gone on to win all of their remaining five games.
The tournament will be the first appearance for head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who was appointed to the role on Sept. 22, 2023. Nagelsmann previously served as the head coach at German club Bayern Munich, winning a Bundesliga title during his tenure.
Nagelsmann has guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, as well as a third place finish in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals. As Nagelsmann leads the team to more high placements, his biggest challenge has yet to come, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching. With a talented roster, including captain Joshua Kimmich, who plays right-back and midfielder and has been with the team since 2016, Nagelsmann will have a good opportunity of bringing success to the team once again.
Germany will look to visit MetLife Stadium for the final match of the tournament, where they have the opportunity to claim their fifth FIFA World Cup title. After winning the entire tournament just over a decade ago, the team is in a good position to reclaim their title.