Germany’s last two FIFA World Cup outings have been disastrous. The four time World Champions first failed to make it out of the group stage in 2018 under Joachim Löw after losing final game against Soouth
Korea 2-0. A similar fate awaited Hansi Flick in the 2022 World Cup when Germany’s 2-1 loss to Japan and 1-1 draw to Spain was only enough to secure a one way ticket back home. After two monumental disappointments, Julian Nagelsman will be hoping for brighter fortunes, but the odds may already be stacked against 38-year-old manager.
Given Germany’s placement in Group E and France’s placement in Group I, the two heavyweight nation’s will be destined to meet in the Round of 16 — should both side’s top their respective groups. Despite the notion of facing the 2022 World Cup finalists, Nagelsmann remains adamant that getting their in the first place is priority number one.
“For us, it’s not that important whether we finish first or second; we don’t plan the tournament bracket in advance,” declared Nagelsmann after the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were decided (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “At some point, we’ll have to face top teams; we have to get used to that. First and foremost, getting there is the priority.”
Nagelsmann is right to focus on simply surviving group E first and foremost. After all, the last two managers failed to make to make it that far. As for the potential of facing France, the former Bayern manager did well to point out that meeting strong teams is part of the tournament — even if it is as early as the round of 16.
Germany will start what will hopefully be a redemption arc of sorts against Curaçao on June 14, 2026, in Houston.
