Beyond the Home Euros: Germany’s Path from Euro 2024 to the 2026 World Cup

FRANKFURT, 17 January 2026 – Nearly eighteen months have passed since Germany’s emotional exit from their home European Championship. The quarter-final defeat to Spain in Stuttgart marked the end of an era for several legends and the beginning of a new chapter under coach Julian Nagelsmann. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the German Football Association (DFB) and its team are navigating a period of transition, aiming to build on the foundations laid during Euro 2024.

Euro 2024: A Campaign of Rekindled Hope

Hosting UEFA Euro 2024, Germany delivered a tournament that reconnected the national team with its public. Under Nagelsmann, the youngest coach in the competition’s history at 36, Die Mannschaft topped Group A convincingly. A spectacular 5-1 opening win over Scotland was followed by a 2-0 victory against Hungary, securing early qualification for the knockout stages. A 1-1 draw with Switzerland concluded the group phase. A 2-0 win over Denmark in the round of 16 set up a quarter-final clash with eventual champions Spain, where a 2-1 defeat after extra time ended German dreams.

The tournament was notable for the emergence of Jamal Musiala as a global star and the final international bows of Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller. While falling short of the title, the campaign succeeded in “awakening euphoria,” as DFB director Rudi Völler noted, restoring pride and belief after years of underwhelming major tournament performances.

Nagelsmann’s Project: Continuity and Evolution

Initially appointed on a short-term deal for Euro 2024, Julian Nagelsmann’s impact led to a contract extension first until the 2026 World Cup and subsequently until 2028. His philosophy, blending tactical flexibility with emotional connection, has been credited with revitalising the squad. Post-Euro 2024, Nagelsmann has guided Germany to the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, where they will face Italy, and successfully navigated 2026 World Cup qualification, topping their group with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia in their final match.

The coach faces new challenges, including integrating the next generation of midfield talent like Angelo Stiller and Aleksandar Pavlović while managing the roles of established stars. Joshua Kimmich, for instance, has been confirmed as Nagelsmann’s first-choice right-back for the foreseeable future.

The Road to North America: 2026 World Cup Draw and Preparations

The immediate future is clearly defined. Germany will base their 2026 World Cup campaign in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, training at Wake Forest University. The group stage draw has placed them in Group E alongside Ecuador, Côte d’Ivoire, and Curaçao. Nagelsmann described it as “not an easy group, but one we can handle,” acknowledging the unique challenges of a first-ever finals meeting with Curaçao and the athletic threats posed by their other opponents.

Germany’s 2026 World Cycle: Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest challenge for Germany after Euro 2024?

The key challenge is managing the transition from the Kroos/Müller era and consistently integrating new talents into a cohesive unit. Nagelsmann has emphasised that players need regular club football to secure national team roles, making the form of prospects like Pavlović a point of focus.

How has Julian Nagelsmann’s role evolved?

Nagelsmann has stated that the national team requires a greater emphasis on emotion and building a “band of brothers” compared to club management. His extended contract signals the DFB’s belief in him as a long-term architect, tasked with peaking the team’s performance for the 2026 World Cup.

What can be expected from the 2026 World Cup group?

While on paper favourable, the group presents unfamiliar tests. Curaçao is an unknown quantity at this level, while Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire offer significant physical and technical threats. Germany will be expected to top the group, but must avoid any complacency.