Germany World Cup 2026 guide: Fixtures, prediction, key player and odds

Germany may not be the force they once were on the international scene, but the four-time World Cup winners will be quietly confident of a good showing this summer.

An aging squad brimming with experience is supplemented by younger talents such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, but only time will tell if Nagelsmann has found the perfect mix for World Cup success.

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, David Raum, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Antonio Rudiger, Nathaniel Brown, Malick Thiaw

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Lennart Karl, Angelo Stiller, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Felix Nmecha, Nadiem Amiri, Pascal Gross

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Jamie Leweling, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier

Germany vs Curacao (6pm on June 14, NRG Stadium)

Germany vs Ivory Coast (9pm on June 20, BMO Field)

Ecuador vs Germany (9pm on June 25, MetLife Stadium)

After group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, just getting to the knockout stages would be a relief for the Germans. There is more than enough quality to see Germany reaching at least the quarter finals, but their group – and knockout draw – could pose a few challenges.

The Ivory Coast may lack true stars as they did in the 2010s, but they are a handy outfit. Ecuador’s current crop will also fancy their chances against Germany. First-timers Curacao will be expected to be swatted aside, but a stuttering start in Germany’s opening game could cause panic over a third-straight group stage exit.

If Germany top the group they would be involved in the first round of 32 game, limiting rest days. Of course, shocks can happen – look at Germany’s last two World Cups – but if the favourites in each group advance as winners, the Germans are on track to face neighbours France in the round of 16. As such, it is hard to see Nagelsmann’s side making a deep run in the competition.

The biggest names in the Germany squad have been around for some time, with their presence providing much needed experience. Manuel Neuer starred in goal when Germany last won the tournament in 2014, whilst Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Antonio Rudiger all have trophy-filled cabinets.