Germany was eliminated in extra time by Spain in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, ending its campaign in the tournament it hosted. Following the defeat, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann stated the team’s goal is to win the 2026 World Cup.

"We want to win the World Cup — the emphasis is on 'wants' — and that takes good performances and also a bit of luck," Nagelsmann said. He added, "We're ready (for the best teams). The situation before the Euros wasn't massively different to now, and we weren't second best against Spain either."

Nagelsmann, who became Germany manager in 2023, emphasized the importance of group cohesion as the foundation for future success. "We want to be a type of family. Everyone must be aware of their role and must possess the qualities to integrate into the group," he said in an interview with the German FA. He also noted the need to assess how the squad has functioned over the past two-and-a-half to three years and which players have developed strong on-field chemistry.

The Euro 2024 squad featured a blend of experienced and young players. Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos came out of international retirement to participate in the tournament, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned from retirement with the 2026 World Cup in mind. Germany’s attacking core included Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic emerged as a key figure, establishing himself as Germany’s midfield anchor and earning a near-automatic place in the lineup when fit.

Germany’s recent World Cup record includes group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. The team’s last World Cup knockout victory was in the 2014 final, when it claimed its fourth title. Musiala and Havertz missed more club matches than they played during the 2025–26 season due to injuries.