Germany World Cup 2022: Players, fixtures, group

As always, the German national team enters the World Cup as one of the favorites, even though the team is still finding its feet after the end of the Jogi Löw era. Drawn with Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica in Group E, Germany’s progression to the knockout rounds is by no means a foregone conclusion, but manager Hansi Flick should avoid crashing out in the group stage as Germany did at the 2018 World Cup. Pride and the ultimate prize are on the line, and this refreshed group of German internationals will be determined to re-establish the nation as one of the world’s best on the biggest stage this winter.

How to watch Germany World Cup for free from anywhere

Germany World Cup fixtures and match schedule

Germany vs. Japan

Germany may have a stronger international record than Japan, but that doesn’t mean the Japanese will be a comfortable opponent for the opening game. Although the German national team is still looking for its form this year, Japan will have a hard time competing against the experience of Thomas Müller and fresh young players like winger Jamal Musiala.

Spain vs. Germany

Arguably the toughest game in Group E that pits the 2010 winner (Spain) against the 2014 winner (Germany). Yet, both national teams will look quite different in this game, with Spain’s young talents coming to the fore and Germany’s tactical philosophy shifted after its humiliating group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup.

Costa Rica vs. Germany

Costa Rica should never be underestimated. This is the Central American nation’s third successive trip to the World Cup, where qualification was earned off the back of solid defensive performances. So a victory in this game may depend on Germany’s ability to carve its opponents open and create attacking opportunities on the counter.

Final 26-man Germany World Cup 2022 roster

Star players in the Germany World Cup team

The German national team is able to draw from the best Bundesliga talents as well as players at some of Europe’s elite clubs. Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, and Serge Gnabry are just a few Bayern Munich players in the squad, bringing a wealth of international experience with them, too. Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen will anchor the defense, while Chelsea’s Kai Havertz pulls the strings in the midfield. Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug earns a call-up due to his fantastic goalscoring record this season. Yet, perhaps the biggest surprise in the squad for the 2022 World Cup is the return of Mario Götze after a five-year absence from the national team.

Who is Germany’s head coach?

German head coach Hansi Flick registered 148 games in the Bundesliga for Bayern Munich and Cologne, winning the German championship in 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1990 with Bayern. He succeeded Joachim Löw as the national team manager in 2021, having previously managed the likes of Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich.

Germany national team strengths & weaknesses

Strengths

Manager Hansi Flick works meticulously but, above all, has great people skills; in bringing the team together, he will secure one of the Germans’ greatest strengths. The World Cup squad boasts plenty of seasoned World Cup veterans, such as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, trophy-laden forward Thomas Müller, and Mario Götze—who scored the winner for Germany in the 2014 final against Argentina. But watch out for the feisty fan-favorite defender Nico Schlotterbeck or the two young star forwards, 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukokothe and 19-year-old winger Jamal Musiala, who might become some of the new superstars of this World Cup.

Weaknesses

Timo Werner’s absence weighs heavily, there are no world-class German center forwards in this squad. The issue of mentality still looms over the national team given the embarrassing exit in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup as deafening champions.

Strøm nye programmer og filmer

Skaff deg ExpressVPN

Se våre toppvalg for hva du kan strømme denne måneden