Germany’s national football team is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, facing uncertainty over their opponents due to the ongoing Nations League. Coach Julian Nagelsmann aims for success, emphasizing the importance of defeating Italy in their quarter-final. The qualification process will see Germany as a strong contender, with twelve European group winners automatically qualifying. Additionally, winning against Italy could grant Germany hosting rights for the Nations League Final Four, marking a significant step toward World Cup glory.
Germany’s Journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The qualification groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been established, yet national coach Julian Nagelsmann is still uncertain about his team’s opponents. This uncertainty arises from the ongoing Nations League, but regardless of the situation, Germany’s prospects look promising.
Julian Nagelsmann recently experienced the allure of the World Cup trophy firsthand. The ultimate goal is to claim that golden prize, but the path to achieving it remains unclear following an unusual two-way draw conducted at FIFA’s headquarters on the chilly slopes of Zurich. What is confirmed is that the German national football team must overcome either Slovakia or Norway and Israel in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Upcoming Challenges in Qualification
During the draw, presenters Ariane Hingst and Robert Pires revealed the potential routes for Germany, while Nagelsmann remained composed with his hands resting in his lap. The draw is linked to the Nations League, resulting in placeholders for potential opponents. If the DFB team triumphs in their quarter-final against Italy (scheduled for March 20/23), they will face Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg in Group A. “This group could be a bit more favorable, but we simply don’t know yet,” Nagelsmann remarked.
On the other hand, if Italy wins, Germany will enter Group I, which features Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova—entailing more matches and longer travel distances. “Norway would indeed be a strong opponent,” Nagelsmann noted, alluding to star player Erling Haaland. However, he emphasized, “Our primary focus must be on defeating Italy. It’s crucial to stay focused on our ultimate goal—achieving maximum success at the World Cup.”
As the group head, Germany is expected to be a favorite in the qualification process. “We are determined to secure the top spot, regardless of the challenges ahead,” stated DFB sports director Rudi Völler, who shared a friendly embrace with upcoming England coach Thomas Tuchel. Nostalgically, the celebration from Völler’s 1990 World Cup final victory was played during the event.
The twelve group winners from Europe will automatically qualify for the prestigious tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico—a first for 48 teams in about six weeks. The remaining four European spots will be filled through playoffs, a position Germany has already secured through their Nations League performance, providing a safety net.
The group stage of World Cup qualification will kick off in March and continue until November 2025, with playoffs scheduled for March 2026. Teams in five-member groups will begin in March, while four-member groups will commence in September 2025, following the quarter-finals (March) and the Final Four (June) of the Nations League.
Will Germany Host the Final Four?
On that Friday morning, Nagelsmann made his entrance as the final coach to arrive at the FIFA venue, as all others were already seated. He was aware that Germany had avoided facing the strongest contenders from Pot 1, such as World Cup runner-up France, European champion Spain, or England. FIFA President Gianni Infantino proclaimed that the golden trophy is “ready to be claimed,” and Nagelsmann surely has aspirations of lifting it: “Our goal is to become world champions.”
Additionally, Germany’s success against Italy in the Nations League could influence whether they will host the Final Four of the competition. According to a report in a French newspaper, the winner of this quarter-final will be granted hosting rights by the UEFA Executive Committee on Monday. “I would be thrilled,” Nagelsmann expressed, “that would be a wonderful conclusion to the home European Championship and a great starting point on our journey to World Cup glory.”