Two group-stage exits in a row left Germany with a question that defines this tournament: are they contenders again, or merely hopeful? Julian Nagelsmann's answer is a squad built to win it. "I have repeatedly said we want to become world champions," the coach declared after naming his 26 (Al Jazeera).
Their 2-1 win over the United States in Chicago on June 6, with goals from Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané, was a timely reminder of the firepower behind that ambition (CBS Sports).
The Neuer gamble
The headline call is in goal. Nagelsmann has coaxed Manuel Neuer out of international retirement at 40, installing him as first-choice keeper despite the German having stepped away after Euro 2024 (Al Jazeera). "Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team," the coach said.
Manuel Neuer, 40 — recalled from international retirement as Germany's No. 1. Source: Al Jazeera
Joshua Kimmich keeps the captaincy regardless, leading a spine that blends that veteran experience with elite youth (Al Jazeera).
A creative core to fear
Germany's case rests on the players between the lines. Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz headline an attack that also features Leroy Sané — a trio with the invention to unlock any defence (Al Jazeera).
!If Wirtz and Havertz click, the world's eighth-ranked side has the ceiling of a champion.
The shadow over it all is Jamal Musiala. The Bayern playmaker suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle in a collision last July and has spent recent months easing back from the bench, leaving his tournament sharpness an open question (Al Jazeera). A fit, firing Musiala raises Germany's ceiling further still.
Group E: room to find rhythm
Germany headline Group E alongside Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador, opening against Curaçao at NRG Stadium in Houston on June 14 before Ivory Coast and Ecuador (Al Jazeera).
It is a draw that should let them build momentum — Ivory Coast, fresh from beating France in a warm-up, are the obvious banana skin, but Germany will expect to top the section comfortably.
The verdict
The talent is undeniable; the questions are about defensive nerve and Musiala's fitness. Recalling Neuer is a statement that Nagelsmann trusts experience to steady a young, gifted side — and if it holds, Germany are a dark-horse contender few will want to face.
Weigh them against the field in our winner prediction, study the section in the Group E preview, and make your call on the predictions page.
Sources
- Al Jazeera — Germany World Cup 2026 team preview
- CBS Sports — USMNT vs Germany score and live updates
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
