Germany 2026 World Cup: Matthaus Backs Musiala And Wirtz To Shine

Lothar Matthaus expects Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz to shape Germany’s chances at the World Cup 2026, as Julian Nagelsmann’s team seek to recover from recent failures and deliver a stronger tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Germany’s record since lifting the trophy in 2014 has been poor, with exits in the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Under Julian Nagelsmann, the national team responded in qualifying, winning five of six matches to finish top of their section and book a place at the 2026 finals.

Germany have been drawn into Group E for the World Cup 2026, joining Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao. Their opening fixture comes against Curacao on 14 June, and data analysts from Opta’s tournament model

have assigned Germany a 7.1% probability of lifting the trophy again.

Spain currently sit ahead of Germany in those projections. Opta’s model places the reigning European champions as leading contenders for the World Cup 2026, with Spain given a 17% chance of success. That scenario would allow Spain to again hold both major international titles at the same time after the 2008–2012 cycle.

17% - According to the Opta Predictor, reigning UEFA European Championship winners Spain are the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 (17%)they could become the first nation to hold both simultaneously for a second time (2008, 2010, 2012 previously). Elect. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/tjCZKsEuj8OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2025

Matthaus, who captained Germany to the 1990 World Cup title, believes Musiala and Wirtz can provide crucial attacking quality. "I believe in the players, I believe in the team," Matthaus told Sky Sports Germany, outlining faith that the current squad can perform on the biggest stage again.

Musiala is yet to feature for Bayern Munich this season after suffering a serious injury during their Club World Cup campaign. Wirtz is still adapting at Liverpool following a high-profile move, as the attacking midfielder looks to regain rhythm and confidence ahead of the World Cup 2026 build-up with Germany.

Matthaus highlighted both talents as essential for Germany’s attacking structure and also commented on the general feeling in the camp. "The atmosphere within the squad is good. I can see that because I'm often travelling with the German national team. I hope that our game-changers will be fit when we need them, that they'll get into match rhythm from March onwards. I'm thinking primarily of Jamal Musiala, but I'm also thinking of Florian Wirtz, and I hope that he'll fly to the World Cup with confidence and not with the self-doubt he probably has a bit at the moment. I'm convinced that he'll get out of this unsatisfactory situation in Liverpool. "

Germany World Cup 2026 squad competition and Lennart Karl

Another name entering the discussion for Germany’s World Cup 2026 squad is 17-year-old Lennart Karl. The Bayern prospect is enjoying a breakthrough campaign, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the Bundesliga while also netting three times in four Champions League appearances, including the only goal scored against Arsenal so far.

Matthaus feels Karl should travel if current form continues and underlined a merit-based selection policy for Germany at the World Cup 2026. "If Karl plays like he has in recent months, I'm 100% sure Julian Nagelsmann will take him," Matthaus added. "The best players should be involved; there's no such thing as too young or too old. "

Germany now approach the World Cup 2026 with a blend of experience and emerging talent, aiming to correct the course after two early exits. Performances from Musiala, Wirtz and possibly Karl, together with a positive squad mood under Nagelsmann, will define how far Germany can progress in North America.