Latest WC 2026 News - USA, Canada & Mexico

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico is fast approaching – and the German national team is facing a crucial phase. After a mixed home Euro 2024, where the quarter-final against Spain marked the end of the road, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann wants to attack for the top spot again at the tournament in North America with a completely revamped team. However, there is not much time left before the World Cup starts to close the remaining gaps.

Sportingly, the DFB side has stabilised in qualifying, but the competitive matches and friendlies of recent months have shown: there are still significant weaknesses that Nagelsmann must get under control before the tournament.

Defence remains the biggest problem area Despite the return of experienced defenders, the German defence still lacks final consistency. Antonio Rüdiger is a given, but a reliable centre-back at the top level is missing at his side. Jonathan Tah has established himself, yet Nagelsmann continues to experiment with new configurations. On the flanks, Joshua Kimmich – who is now increasingly planned as a sixth midfielder – and David Raum are cause for discussion. The question of who takes on responsibility permanently on the right-back position remains unanswered.

There is also no final clarity in goal. Marc-André ter Stegen is fighting his way back from a long injury lay-off, while Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel hope for their chance. Manuel Neuer has announced his retirement, and Nagelsmann still needs to find a true number one.

Attack with hope-bearers Things look considerably better in attack. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala form a creative duo that, in top form, ranks among the world's best midfielders. Kai Havertz, Niclas Füllkrug and the resurgent Serge Gnabry provide variety up front. Karim Adeyemi and Maximilian Beier are also pushing for a World Cup spot. The quality is there – now it's about further refining the coordination in the final third and improving chance conversion, a recurring problem in recent international matches.

Mental strength and leadership required Nagelsmann himself repeatedly emphasises how important the mental component is. After years of crisis, the national team coach wants to form a sworn-in unit that keeps a cool head even in tight matches. Captain Joshua Kimmich plays a central role in this. With players like Rüdiger, Havertz and Gündogan – provided he returns – a hierarchy is to be created that gives the team stability.

The final friendlies In the remaining international match windows before the World Cup starts, important stress tests are still to come, in which Nagelsmann must find and train his starting eleven. Opponents from Europe and potentially from South America are to simulate the level of a World Cup match. Particularly the question of the match plan against physically strong teams like France or England is being intensively discussed in the coaching staff.

Conclusion: Germany travels to North America with a talented but not flawless squad. The mix of experience and youthful freshness offers opportunities – but without defensive stability and a clear hierarchy, the path to the semi-finals will be difficult. Nagelsmann has only a few weeks to turn a good squad into a true tournament team. The hopes of the fans are high – as is the pressure.