Germany made an early statement at the 2026 World Cup as they ran out 7-1 winners over tournament debutants Curacao. A brace from Kai Havertz and goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav ensured a relatively straightforward introduction to Group E for Die Mannschaft, though they were given something of a shock when Curacao found the net midway through the first half.
Julian Nagelsmann has dropped a selection bombshell ahead of Germany’s 2026 World Cup opener against Curacao by confirming Manuel Neuer will start in goal. The veteran Bayern Munich shot-stopper is set to make his first appearance for Die Mannschaft in two years as they begin their campaign in Houston.
Jurgen Klopp has moved to clarify his recent comments regarding Jamal Musiala after his tactical suggestions sparked a wave of criticism in Germany. The former Liverpool manager had suggested that Deniz Undav might be a better fit for the starting XI in certain scenarios, leading legend Lothar Matthaus to question his judgment.
Germany legend Miroslav Klose expects his iconic World Cup goal-scoring record to be shattered during the current tournament cycle in North America. The former striker feels the expanded tournament format provides the perfect platform for elite forwards to surpass his historic tally, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the chase.
During Liverpool's historically poor run of results last autumn, Florian Wirtz's form became the subject of much debate. Gary Lineker was among those that felt that the No.10 might benefit from being taken out of Arne Slot’s starting line-up, and thus the spotlight. "Don’t think he isn’t suffering at the moment with this," the former England international said on 'The Rest is Football' podcast.
German football icon Lothar Matthaus has mapped out two distinct paths that could see national team manager Julian Nagelsmann exit his post early despite holding a contract until 2028. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the 1990 World Cup winner insisted that the 38-year-old's future hinges entirely on performance, outlining both an immediate dismissal in the event of a group-stage disaster and a voluntary departure to club football should Germany lift the trophy.
Assan Ouedraogo has been surprisingly called up to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup. The RB Leipzig youngster was added to replace the injured Lennart Karl and has now humorously described how he learned of his good fortune.
Bayern Munich are on the verge of completing their first major transfer coup of the summer window after making a significant breakthrough with Eintracht Frankfurt. The Bavarian giants have agreed a deal in principle to sign highly-rated Germany international defender Nathaniel Brown, a player heavily requested by head coach Vincent Kompany.
There's just a few hours to go until the biggest show on earth gets underway, with the 2026 World Cup kicking off in Mexico City on Thursday. If you haven't already caught a serious case of World Cup fever, what better way to get in the mood than by checking out the very best kits that will be on show in North America this summer.
The 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. Over the course of the next week, the time for talking will stop, and teams will have to prove their credentials with their performances on the pitch in North America. All roads, whether through the United States, Mexico or Canada, will lead to New Jersey on July 19, and the biggest football match on the planet: the World Cup final.
We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.
The 2026 World Cup is almost here. After years of build-up, dramatic qualifiers and numerous good - and bad - news stories surrounding FIFA's flagship finals, players and coaches from around the world are completing their last preparations after descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest international football tournament to ever have been staged.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
It's so close we can almost taste it. The 2026 World Cup is now just a two days away, with the best players from around the globe descending on the United States, Mexico and Canada for what promises to be a superb summer of football. While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in late-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for five-and-a-half weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.
The U.S. responded well to going 1-0 down against Germany, but settled for little more than a hard-working loss against a better opponent - an eerily familiar outcome.
We are now just days away, and World Cup fever is gripping the globe as teams from 48 countries descend on the United States, Mexico and Canada for the biggest tournament FIFA have ever staged. Managers are making their final plans ahead of the opening round of group games, but for some there are still massive decisions to be made.
Germany have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup with the news that Bayern Munich starlet Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the tournament. The 18-year-old’s dreams were crushed during the final training session before Germany's friendly against the USA, leaving Julian Nagelsmann to find an emergency replacement. Team-mate Deniz Undav later detailed the awful setback.
The USMNT fell short against Germany in their final pre-World Cup tune-up, but Mauricio Pochettino still saw signs of progress as Antonee Robinson delivered a stunning goal, Malik Tillman impressed in a deeper role, and Miles Robinson endured another difficult outing.
Antonee Robinson has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s top left backs, but the USMNT defender showed he can be just as dangerous at the other end of the pitch. Robinson blasted a rocket past Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to pull the Americans level at 1-1 - and somehow, his celebration may have been even better.
FIFA has announced a significant protocol modification that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the upcoming World Cup. Moving away from traditional sporting custom, football's global governing body has mandated that both starting line-ups and substitutes congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off.
Germany
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