The German national soccer team starts qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. We answer the most important questions.
Why does Germany only play now?
The World Cup qualification has been running in Europe for almost half a year, the first games took place on March 21st. So far, however, only the six five groups have been in use, the six groups with four teams are now starting. This also includes the German, the DFB team was set as a participant at the Nation League semi-final than one of the teams who play in a smaller group and therefore only get into the qualification later.
How many game days have already passed?
If Germany plays the first qualification game on September 4 (8:45 p.m.) in Slovakia, it is officially the 5th matchday. So far, two teams have had four games in the five, two more teams three games and one team two.
Sportschau, 04.09.2025 8:44 p.m.
Why does Germany only have six games this time?
So far, the DFB team had always had to play eight or ten games before the qualification ended. Because of the large number of participants (a total of 46 teams, 16 from Europe), the number of groups was increased, for the first time it is twelve, which makes the number of teams in the groups lower.
Where are the German games broadcast?
The game in Slovakia runs live on the ARD and in stream on Sportschau.de, where there will be audio streams and live tickers for all games. The game against Northern Ireland is shown on RTL. The remaining games are not yet distributed, the ZDF is also a rights holder.
Who qualifies from the group for the World Cup?
The twelve group winners are safe in the USA, Canada and Mexico – the four other tickets are available in not entirely uncomplicated playoffs. The twelve second-placed nations play with the four best-placed group winners from the Nations League, which it did not make it in their groups in the World Cup qualification.
As a reminder: in League A Portugal, France, Germany and Spain National League group winners, in League B Czech Republic, England, Norway and Wales. The Liga-C group winners Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland and Northern Macedonia as well as theoretically also San Marino and Moldova as group winners of the Liga D.
When does the DFB team play against whom?
| Opponent | Date (all games at 8:45 p.m.) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
Slovakia (A) | 04.09.2025 | Bratislava |
Northern Ireland (H) | 07.09.2025 | Cologne |
Luxembourg (H) | 10.10.2025 | Sinsheim |
Northern Ireland (A) | 13.10.2025 | Belfast |
Luxembourg (A) | 14.11.2025 | Luxembourg |
Slovakia (H) | 17.11.2025 | Leipzig |
How good are the German opponents?
Germany is currently ninth in the FIFA world rankings and is therefore clearly ahead of Slovakia (52nd), Northern Ireland (71st) and Luxembourg (92nd). Even if this ranking is not always one -to -one into the qualities of the teams, the placements reflect the balance of power very well in this case, Germany is the clear favorite for the group victory. Any other result would have to be classified as an embarrassment.
Are there surprises in the other groups?
Most favorites have so far been harmless, but Italy has to tremble after two games. The “Squadra Azzurra” won 2-0 at the start against Moldau, but then collected a 0: 3 swatter in Norway. The team around striker Erling Haaland has three more victories apart from the Italy triumph, all of them were away. So it is not unlikely that Norway’s series will continue until the last matchday when it comes to duel in Italy.