The Germany national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. An official photo from Germany's national team account.

Germany

Group E · FIFA rank 12 · World Cup 2026

Photo: @DFB_Team

Eliminated in the round of 32

Lost 1-1 to Paraguay

Germany are one of the giants of the game, 4-time world champions ranked 12th in the FIFA ranking.

But they are out, beaten by Paraguay on penalties in a huge round of 32 shock.

It was the first time they have ever lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup.

Germany's 2026 World Cup matches

See the full Group E standings

Germany squad and manager

Manager: Julian Nagelsmann

👕 No.🧑 Player🛡️ Club
Goalkeepers (3)
1Manuel NeuerBayern Munich
12Oliver BaumannTSG Hoffenheim
21Alexander NübelVfB Stuttgart
Defenders (8)
2Antonio RüdigerReal Madrid
3Waldemar AntonBorussia Dortmund
4Jonathan TahBayern Munich
6Joshua KimmichBayern Munich
15Nico SchlotterbeckBorussia Dortmund
18Nathaniel BrownEintracht Frankfurt
22David RaumRB Leipzig
24Malick ThiawNewcastle United
Midfielders (11)
5Aleksandar PavlovićBayern Munich
8Leon GoretzkaBayern Munich
9Jamie LewelingVfB Stuttgart
10Jamal MusialaBayern Munich
13Pascal GroßBrighton & Hove Albion
16Angelo StillerVfB Stuttgart
17Florian WirtzLiverpool
19Leroy SanéGalatasaray
20Nadiem AmiriMainz 05
23Felix NmechaBorussia Dortmund
25Assan OuédraogoRB Leipzig
Forwards (4)
7Kai HavertzArsenal
11Nick WoltemadeNewcastle United
14Maximilian BeierBorussia Dortmund
26Deniz UndavVfB Stuttgart

Germany at the World Cup

FIFA ranking
#12
World Cup appearance
21st
Best finish
Winners (4 times)
Confederation
UEFA
Group
Group E

Previous Wins

  • World Cup: 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
  • European Championship: 1972, 1980, 1996

How did Germany crash out to Paraguay?

Germany are out, and this is one of the biggest shocks of the whole tournament.

They came in as 4-time world champions, but tiny Paraguay knocked them out in the round of 32.

Paraguay went ahead first, when their forward Julio Enciso headed in to make it 0-1 in the 42nd minute.

Germany hit back through forward Kai Havertz, who headed in the equalizer in the 53rd minute to make it 1-1.

But neither side could find a winner in normal time or extra time, so it went to penalties.

And that is where it fell apart, because Germany missed 3 of their spot-kicks.

Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed to score, and Paraguay won the shootout 4-3.

It was the first time ever that Germany have lost a penalty shootout at a World Cup, which makes it sting even more.

The feel-good story had been the comeback of 40-year-old keeper Manuel Neuer, back for a 5th and final World Cup.

Up front this young side was loaded too, with Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and Havertz.

Here is the catch: for a country like this only the title truly counts, so a last-32 exit is a disaster.

The mood is shock and anger, because nobody saw this coming for one of the great football nations.

Germany's recent results

  • W2-1at United StatesJune 6, 2026Friendly
  • W4-0FinlandMay 31, 2026Friendly

Last 12 months before the tournament. Source: international match records.

Common questions

Which group were Germany in at the 2026 World Cup?

Germany were in Group E with Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. They finished 1st in the group.

Who is Germany's manager?

Germany are managed by Julian Nagelsmann.

What is Germany's best World Cup result?

Germany have won the World Cup 4 times, most recently in 2014.

Are Germany still in the 2026 World Cup?

No, Germany were knocked out in the round of 32 by Paraguay.

What is Germany's FIFA ranking?

Germany are ranked 12 in the FIFA world rankings.

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