2026 World Cup: Germany not among the favorites, Julian Nagelsmann explains

Julian Nagelsmann speaks frankly ahead of Germany's opening match

World Cup 2026 14 June 2026 at 05:54

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2026 World Cup: Germany not among the favorites, Julian Nagelsmann explains

14.06.26 FT World Cup

Germany

Curacao

Just hours before Germany kicks off against Curaçao in this 2026 World Cup, Julian Nagelsmann preferred to temper expectations.

Despite a run of nine consecutive victories, Julian Nagelsmann believes the Nationalmannschaft still has to prove itself on the world stage.

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"We haven't performed well in the last two World Cups, so I understand why we're not considered among the favorites. Right now, that's not the point. The point is to beat Curaçao," the German coach explained.

A cautious statement ahead of a tournament where Germany will be aiming to reclaim its status after two consecutive group stage eliminations.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.