Road to World Cup 2026: The Contenders (3): Germany — The Sleeping Giant Awakens

By Chris Osa Nehikhare

There are football nations that inspire admiration.

There are football nations that inspire excitement.

Then there is Germany.

Germany inspires respect.

Not because they always play the most beautiful football.

Not because they always possess the biggest stars.

But because, when the pressure rises and tournaments reach their defining moments, Germany has a habit of appearing where it matters most.

For decades, German football has been the benchmark for consistency.

Four World Cups.

Three European Championships.

Countless semi-finals and finals.

Generation after generation, Germany has mastered the art of tournament football.

The Germans do not simply play football.

They compete relentlessly methodically efficiently and usually successfully.

Which is why the years following their 2014 World Cup triumph felt so unusual.

The nation that humiliated Brazil 7-1 on its way to lifting football’s greatest prize suddenly looked vulnerable.

Germany crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stage.

They struggled at Euro 2020.

They disappointed again at the 2022 World Cup.

For a football nation accustomed to excellence, those failures felt almost unimaginable.

Critics declared the end of German dominance as many believed the great German machine had finally broken down.

History, however, teaches us one lesson above all others: Never write off Germany because Germany rarely stays down for long.

Today, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, there are unmistakable signs of recovery.

The confidence is returning.

The identity is re-emerging.

The talent pipeline is flowing once more.

And perhaps most importantly, Germany once again looks like a team rather than a collection of individuals.

That has always been Germany’s greatest strength.

Unlike some football powers that depend heavily on superstars, Germany’s success has traditionally been built upon collective purpose.

This current squad possesses an impressive blend of experience and youth.

Manuel Neuer remains a reassuring presence despite the passing years.

Antonio Rüdiger continues to lead from the back with authority and aggression.

Joshua Kimmich brings leadership, intelligence and tactical flexibility.

Leon Goretzka adds energy and steel.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to take Germany seriously is the partnership between Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

Both are young enough to represent the future of German football, yet talented enough to dominate the present.

Together they may form one of the most dangerous creative combinations at this World Cup.

If Germany goes deep into the tournament, do not be surprised if these two are at the heart of it.

That combination alone gives Germany something every serious contender requires.

The Germans have spent decades turning difficult situations into opportunities.

That mentality has carried them through countless tournaments.

It is why they remain dangerous even when they are not considered favourites.

In many ways, Germany arrives at this World Cup carrying the perfect burden.

Enough expectation to inspire.

Not enough expectation to suffocate.

The spotlight currently shines brightest on France, Argentina, Brazil and Spain.

Germany sits quietly in the background.

Watching.

Preparing.

Waiting.

History suggests that is exactly where they like to be.

No grand declarations.

No dramatic promises.

Just preparation.

And belief.

The belief that when the knockout rounds arrive, Germany will once again be standing.

Can they win the World Cup?

Absolutely.

Will they?

That depends on whether this emerging generation is ready to complete its journey.

But if Germany reaches the quarter-finals, nobody should be surprised.

If Germany reaches the semi-finals, nobody should be shocked.

And if Germany reaches the final, history tells us nobody should underestimate them.

Because German football has spent generations proving one simple truth.

The sleeping giant never sleeps forever.

Eventually, it awakens.

And when it does, the football world takes notice.

My Verdict

Attack: 8.5/10

Midfield: 9/10

Defence: 8.5/10

Mental Strength: 10/10

Overall Rating: 8.8/10

Prediction

Quarter-Final minimum.

Semi-Final very possible.

Dark horse for the Final.

Tomorrow

Spain — Masters of the Ball, Masters of the moments.