Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Germany

Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about GermanyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Germany are four-time winners of the World Cup and they last lifted the trophy in 2014ByStuart HutchisonBBC Sport journalistPublished5 June 2026Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we examine European powerhouses Germany.What can I expect from Germany?Though four-time winners, Germany's last World Cup knockout match was the victorious final of 2014. Two group exits followed, painting a picture of faded glory. But hosting Euro 2024 touched up the colours somewhat. It reminded many of the 2006 World Cup, that sun-blessed home tournament which ushered in a fresh, young, creative team that the nation adopted as its self-image. Once more there was optimism, there was flamboyance, there was.... another 119th-minute heartbreak at the hands of the eventual champions. Last year's Nations League Finals were a reality check, and they then lost to Slovakia in qualifying. So the picture is complex. At the last two World Cups they lost their opening game and failed to recover. So all eyes on Curacao on 14 June in Houston – will Germany have a problem?What are Germany's strengths?Elite attacking midfielders, such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz roaming and creating, is Germany's strongest department. The 11th-hour return of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has soothed concerns at the other end.And what about their weaknesses?Musiala is unlikely to be 100% fit and the candidates to play striker have had mixed seasons, through injury or being played out of position. Finding the right balance from the double midfield pivot will also be a challenge. However, the greatest obstacle to progress could be that France are looming in the last 16.How might Germany line up?Which players should I look out for?Much hinges on the fitness of Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala, who returned to action in January after breaking his leg and dislocating an ankle at the...