World Cup Preview: Germany

Germany enter the tournament looking to restore their battered reputation as a tournament powerhouse following consecutive group stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Under the innovative guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Die Mannschaft have transitioned toward a much sharper, possession-heavy tactical identity that captured the nation’s imagination. With a perfect blend of legendary veterans and world-class youth, fans are demanding nothing less than a deep run into the final stages.

Fixtures (UK time)

Curaçao, 14 June, 6:00pm
Ivory Coast, 20 June, 9:00pm
Ecuador, 25 June, 9:00pm

How They Qualified

Germany started their qualifying campaign atrociously as they fell 2-0 to Slovakia but turned things around to win their next five games, scoring 16 goals in the process.

The Manager

At just 38, Julian Nagelsmann wouldn’t even be the oldest player in the squad. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is 16 months older. Nagelsmann already has over a decade of experience in management, and took his country’s top job via spells in charge of Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich. He was named German Manager of the Year in his first full season in charge, and led Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in 2022.

The Star

England’s German manager Thomas Tuchel will be wishing that Jamal Musiala had been locked down to a Three Lions shirt. He represented England at youth levels and even made two appearances for the Under-21s before opting to represent his country of birth. He has become one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, and, at just 23, he already comes with a wealth of experience having scored nine international goals to add to his 69 goals in Bayern Munich colours.

The Familiar Face

Kai Havertz became only the third player ever to score in Champions League finals for two different clubs during Arsenal’s shootout loss to PSG in May. He was limited to just 12 Premier League appearances due to injury, as the Gunners finally ended their 22-year drought without a league title, but still managed seven goals in all competitions. Four of those came in six Champions League appearances.

Did you know?

Germany have reached at least the semi-finals in 13 of their 20 World Cup appearances, a staggering historical record of consistency that includes lifting the famous trophy four separate times, most recently in Brazil in 2014.

The Prediction

Round of 16

Germany are expected to breeze through Group E as winners. That would mean they face a third-placed qualifier in the Round of 32, but France could await them in the Round of 16. If that happens, Germany could find it tough to progress further.

Cover Photo: Germany Football Fan Scarf” by wuestenigel is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .