Germany arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the most decorated nations in the history of the sport. This is their 20th appearance at the tournament, and they carry four titles: 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014, three of them as West Germany and the last as a reunified nation in Brazil. No country has reached more World Cup finals, with eight final appearances to their name. Their identity is built on consistency and ruthlessness: 13 semifinal appearances, more than any other nation, and a record that makes them perennial contenders regardless of form coming in.

Germany qualified through UEFA Group A, a four team round robin played from September to November 2025. The campaign opened with a jolt: a two nil defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava on 09/04/25. They recovered immediately, winning their next four matches in a row, including a one nil result away in Northern Ireland and a two nil win in Luxembourg. Germany then closed the group in style on 17 November, beating Slovakia six nil in Leipzig to finish with 15 points from six games, 16 goals scored and only three conceded, claiming top spot and direct qualification.