Germany heads to the World Cup 2026 and is set to compete in Group E alongside Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao. The DFB Team is the heavy favorite to top Group E despite suffering group stage eliminations in each of the last two World Cups.
Below, we’ll break down Germany’s projected starting lineup, best players, Group E outlook, strengths and weaknesses, and top World Cup picks on PrizePicks.
Over on PrizePicks Team Picks, you can make a prediction on how national teams will perform in the 2026 World Cup, including tournament winner, Group E winner, and knockout-stage advancement markets.
Make Germany World Cup predictions on PrizePicks to earn $$$ if you’re right!
{{worldcup_generic_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Germany Projected Starting Lineup for World Cup 2026
Germany enters World Cup 2026 with a strong, experienced squad under former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann took charge following Germany's group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. It marked their second consecutive group stage elimination since winning the tournament in 2014.
Projected Germany Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defense: Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown
- Midfield: Felix Nmecha, Aleksander Pavlovic, Jamal Musiala
- Forwards: Leroy Sané, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz
Germany's World Cup XI could change based on form, injuries, and matchups, but Germany’s core is primarily built around versatility, fluid possession play, and a high press combined with a mid-high defensive block.
Despite being listed as forwards, both Kai Havertz and Florian Wirtz are capable of dropping into midfield — a tactic Nagelsmann could deploy with different players depending on the matchup.
How Germany Qualified for World Cup 2026
Germany qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a strong showing in Group A of UEFA qualifiers. The DFB Team finished with five wins in six matches, outscoring opponents 16-3 across the campaign.
Nagelsmann's side topped the group with 15 of a possible 18 points, avoiding the playoffs entirely.
Best Player for Germany: Jamal Musiala
Picking Germany's “best” player is no easy task. The squad is loaded with talent throughout, but one player who stands out is 23-year-old Jamal Musiala. Musiala heads to his second World Cup after an impressive individual showing in 2022 despite Germany's early exit.
Musiala operates as Germany's attacking midfielder, orchestrating play for others while remaining a consistent goal threat himself.
Since debuting at just 18 years old, Musiala has scored 9 goals and added 7 assists in 41 appearances for the national team. He missed the World Cup qualifiers through injury but is now fit and could be primed for a big summer.
Musiala is among the favorites to lead Germany in goals at this year's tournament, returning a 5x payout on PrizePicks Team Picks if he does so.
What to Expect From Germany at the World Cup
FIFA World Ranking: 10
Germany Best World Cup Result: 4x World Cup Champions (1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014)
Germany will look to put the disappointments of the last two World Cups behind them and return to their winning ways this summer. Nagelsmann's side was handed a nice draw in Group E, which goes a long way toward explaining why Germany is such a heavy favorite.
Germany opens the tournament against Curaçao, first-time World Cup participants, on Sunday. Germany is the overwhelming favorite in the opener, a result that could set a confident tone heading into the remaining group matches.
Germany then faces Ivory Coast and Ecuador on matchdays two and three; two sides Nagelsmann will look to exploit with his trademark vertical style of play. Nagelsmann is known for overloading central areas, using fullbacks and wingers to quickly combine and play balls into the opponent's penalty area.
Germany may be prolific in the group stage, much as they were during qualifiers.
Germany Picks for 2026 World Cup
Here are some Germany picks on PrizePicks for the 2026 World Cup. Check out more of our soccer picks and predictions on Playbook.
The World Cup payouts listed below indicate real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, a 2x on a $100 entry pays out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. Payouts are live as of writing but are subject to change.
Germany to Win 2026 World Cup
Yes 11.11x | No 1.02x
Despite their strong squad, Germany is still considered a long shot to win a fifth World Cup title. Their poor results at the last two World Cups have certainly tempered expectations around the squad.
Even so, deep runs in Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League show Germany is capable of competing with Europe's best.
Pick Germany to win the World Cup on PrizePicks.
Germany to Win World Cup Group E
Yes 1.47x | No 2.56x
Despite their recent group stage stumbles, Germany is still expected to top Group E. The other three sides could certainly cause problems, but Nagelsmann's squad is clearly the most talented in the group.
The group could come down to matchday three, when Germany faces World Cup dark horse Ecuador. Ecuador has the second-lowest payout to win Group E behind Germany at 3.84x on PrizePicks.
Check out our Group E preview to see if Germany has what it takes to win its group.
Pick Germany to win World Cup Group E now!
Germany to Advance to World Cup Knockout Stage
Yes 1.02x | No 14.28x
Based on PrizePicks payouts, Germany is heavily favored to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2014.
Make Germany World Cup predictions on PrizePicks now!
{{worldcup_generic_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}
Make Germany World Cup Picks on PrizePicks
Germany is being underestimated relative to some of the other European heavyweights heading into the 2026 World Cup. The squad has more than enough talent to compete; it now comes down to putting it all together when it matters most.
You can make your Germany and 2026 World Cup picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money on World Cup games. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats like shots or goals, and cash in if you’re correct.
With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states.
Stick around with the Playbook for continued World Cup predictions, picks, and analysis through the end of the tournament.
Team Picks and Culture Picks are event contracts offered by Performance Predictions II, LLC d/b/a PrizePicks Predict, a CFTC-registered FCM and NFA Member. All event contract customers must be U.S. residents and 18+. Some event contracts may not be available in every state.Event contract trading carries significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. No guarantee against loss is offered. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.Void where prohibited by law. Restrictions apply. For full terms of service see prizepicks.com/predict-regulatory. Team and Culture Pick Early Payouts subject to market liquidity. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation to trade any commodity interest.
