The German national football team has set the stage for a promising qualification journey towards the 2026 World Cup by securing a spot in the Final Four of the Nations League. This significant achievement not only symbolizes the team’s prowess but has also streamlined their path as they prepare to face Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg in their qualification group.
The group dynamics are favorable for the four-time World Cup champions, with their qualification schedule kicking off on September 4, 2025, when they will play an away match against Slovakia. Subsequently, their first home game will take place three days later, on September 7, 2025, against Northern Ireland in Cologne. Following this, Germany will host Luxembourg on October 10 and then travel for an away match against Northern Ireland on October 13. The qualification will continue with another away match against Luxembourg on November 14, culminating in a clash against Slovakia in Leipzig on November 17.
Germany's route to this promising qualification group was solidified following their thrilling victory over Italy in the Nations League quarter-finals. The outcome of this match allowed them to avoid tougher competition in their Group I qualification, which included challengers like Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann remarked on the importance of the draw, stating, “If we play well in March, the group might be a little more comfortable.” His team's performance is reassuring, given their historical success against the upcoming opponents. Having claimed 12 out of 13 victories against Luxembourg and boasting an impressive record of 13 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses against Northern Ireland, the German team is entering the qualification phase with confidence.
The group winner will earn an automatic berth to the 2026 World Cup, while the second-placed team will have to navigate through the playoffs. As teams across Europe brace themselves for this qualification series, it’s important to note the expanded format of the World Cup from 2026 onwards: from 32 to 48 teams. This expansion has altered the qualification landscape, increasing the number of spots available to 16 for European teams, which is a significant improvement from the previous 13.
Germany's first match in the Final League tournament will occur on June 4, 2025, where they will face either Denmark or Portugal in Munich. The climax of this tournament will take place on June 8, when the final match alongside the third-place playoffs will occur, also in Munich and Stuttgart, respectively.
Reflecting on the history of the German Football Association (DFB), established on January 28, 1900, in Leipzig, the organization has transitioned from a humble beginning with just 90 member clubs to an impressive total of over 24,000 clubs and more than 7.7 million members today. This growth underscores not just the evolution of the association but the profound passion for football embodied by the German populace. This year marks a notable 125 years of the DFB — a testament to its enduring legacy in the world of football.
As the DFB celebrates this milestone, the sentiment of “Ti amo, Fußball!” echoes through their campaigns, inviting fans to share in the love of football and engage with the association more deeply. Through initiatives aimed at connecting with supporters, the DFB aspires to bring fans’ interests to the forefront and foster a sense of community within football.
Kicking off this significant era in German football, the national team plans to seize every opportunity to prove their worth both on the pitch in qualification matches and in the prestigious Nations League tournament, as they aim to secure their place among the elite at the coming World Cup.
