The last two World Cups exposed several weaknesses in Germany’s squad, including inconsistent performances and a lack of team chemistry. In response, the DFB has focused on rebuilding a balanced team with a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann is leading the charge, emphasizing tactical flexibility, high pressing, and squad depth.
Key Preparations and Tactical Adjustments
- Squad Revamp: The team is undergoing significant changes, with older players making way for young talents like Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Youssoufa Moukoko.
- Formation and Playing Style: Germany is experimenting with multiple formations, including a dynamic 4-2-3-1 and a flexible 3-4-3 to adapt to different opponents.
- Defensive Stability: A key focus is strengthening the backline, with Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Schlotterbeck expected to lead the defense.
- Midfield Dominance: With Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gündogan controlling the midfield, Germany aims to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the game.
Key Players and Market Value
Germany boasts a mix of established stars and young prospects, making them a formidable squad. Here’s a look at some key players and their estimated market value:
| Player | Position | Club | Market Value (in Million €) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamal Musiala | Midfielder | Bayern Munich | 120 |
| Florian Wirtz | Midfielder | Bayer Leverkusen | 85 |
| Joshua Kimmich | Midfielder | Bayern Munich | 75 |
| Antonio Rüdiger | Defender | Real Madrid | 50 |
| Ilkay Gündogan | Midfielder | Barcelona | 35 |
| Kai Havertz | Forward | Arsenal | 60 |
| Youssoufa Moukoko | Forward | Borussia Dortmund | 30 |
| Manuel Neuer | Goalkeeper | Bayern Munich | 10 |
Challenges and Expectations
Germany’s primary challenge will be to regain consistency in major tournaments. The team’s attacking strength is promising, but defensive issues and squad chemistry remain concerns. If Nagelsmann can integrate young talents effectively while maintaining stability, Germany could emerge as a strong contender in 2026.
Germany is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. With a rejuvenated squad, tactical flexibility, and a hunger for redemption, they aim to reclaim their status as one of the world’s best footballing nations. Fans will be eager to see if this new German team can deliver on the big stage once again.
Ratings Out of 10 to German Football Team :
1. Strikers – 7.5/10
Germany’s attacking options have improved, but they still lack a world-class goal-scoring machine like in their golden era. Players like Kai Havertz and Youssoufa Moukoko provide versatility and promise, but their consistency is still a concern. Germany needs a reliable goal poacher to finish off chances effectively.
2. Midfielders – 9/10
This is Germany’s strongest department. With stars like Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Ilkay Gündogan, and Florian Wirtz, the midfield has creativity, vision, and ball control. The team dominates possession in most games, making it one of the best midfields in international football.
3. Defense – 8/10
Led by Antonio Rüdiger, Germany’s defense is solid but still prone to lapses in big matches. The addition of younger defenders like Nico Schlotterbeck brings energy, but there is a need for better coordination, especially against fast counter-attacks.
4. Manager – 8.5/10
Julian Nagelsmann has brought a modern, tactical approach to the team. His flexible formations and high-pressing game plan have shown promise. If he can fix defensive vulnerabilities and find a lethal striker, Germany will be a strong title contender in 2026.
Overall Rating: 8.3/10
Germany has a balanced squad with excellent midfielders and a solid defense. The main challenge remains finding a dependable striker to convert chances into goals. If that issue is resolved, Germany could be among the favorites for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
German Team Comparison with Other Competitors :
As of February 2025, evaluating the German national football team’s player valuations and managerial quality in comparison to other top contenders provides insight into their competitive standing ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1. Player Valuations by Position:
Note: Player market values are dynamic and subject to change based on performance, age, and market conditions. The following estimates are based on data up to early 2025.
a. Strikers:
- Germany:
- Kai Havertz (Arsenal): €60 million
- Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund): €30 million
- France:
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain): €180 million
- Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea): €80 million
- Brazil:
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): €150 million
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal): €70 million
b. Midfielders:
- Germany:
- Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich): €120 million
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich): €75 million
- Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen): €85 million
- Ilkay Gündogan (Barcelona): €35 million
- Spain:
- Pedri (Barcelona): €100 million
- Gavi (Barcelona): €90 million
- Rodri (Manchester City): €80 million
- England:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): €110 million
- Declan Rice (Arsenal): €90 million
- Phil Foden (Manchester City): €100 million
c. Defenders:
- Germany:
- Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid): €50 million
- Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund): €40 million
- Italy:
- Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan): €60 million
- Gianluca Mancini (AS Roma): €35 million
- Netherlands:
- Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich): €70 million
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): €40 million
2. Managerial Valuation and Quality:
- Germany:
- Julian Nagelsmann: Estimated annual salary of €15 million. Renowned for his tactical acumen and innovative approach, Nagelsmann has revitalized the German squad with a blend of experienced players and emerging talents.
- France:
- Didier Deschamps: Annual salary of approximately €4 million. Having led France to World Cup glory in 2018, Deschamps brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in international tournaments.
- Brazil:
- Tite: Annual salary around €3.5 million. Under his guidance, Brazil has maintained its status as a football powerhouse, emphasizing attacking flair combined with defensive solidity.
- England:
- Gareth Southgate: Annual salary estimated at €5 million. Southgate has overseen a resurgence in English football, leading the team to the Euro 2020 final and fostering a cohesive unit with a mix of youth and experience.
Overall :
In comparison to other top national teams, Germany boasts a formidable midfield with a total valuation surpassing that of Spain and England. However, in the striker department, Germany’s combined valuation trails behind France and Brazil, indicating potential room for strengthening their attacking options. Defensively, Germany’s valuations are competitive but slightly lower than those of the Netherlands. Managerially, Julian Nagelsmann’s innovative approach and substantial investment reflect Germany’s commitment to regaining prominence on the international stage.
Final Thoughts :
Germany is still not at their 2014 World Cup-winning level, but they have improved compared to 2022. However, teams like Portugal, England, and Argentina currently look stronger in terms of both market value and squad quality. Let’s break it down:
Comparison of Germany vs. Stronger Teams (2025 Estimates)
1. Market Value (Estimated Total Squad Worth in €M)
| Team | Market Value (€M) |
|---|---|
| England | ~€1.2 billion |
| Portugal | ~€1.1 billion |
| Argentina | ~€950 million |
| Germany | ~€675 million |
Germany has a strong squad, but they lack high-value strikers and world-class depth, which brings their total value down.
2. Squad Strength (Position-by-Position Analysis)
| Position | Germany | England | Portugal | Argentina |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strikers | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (7/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10) |
| Midfield | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10) |
| Defense | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8/10) |
| Manager | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (8.5/10) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10) |
Key Takeaways:
- England & Portugal have superior attacking firepower (Harry Kane, Mbappé, Rafael Leão, João Félix, etc.).
- Argentina has a solid defense and a great midfield, with Messi still leading.
- Germany’s biggest weakness is the lack of a world-class striker.
Will Germany Do Better Than WC 2022?
Yes! Germany has:
✅ A better midfield than 2022
✅ A more experienced defense
✅ Improved tactics under Nagelsmann
Prediction for 2026:
🇩🇪 Germany could reach the Quarterfinals or Semifinals, but winning might be difficult without a top striker.
What Germany Needs For World Cup 2026 ?
Germany is rebuilding to regain their peak form like in 2014. With a large talent pool, their success in WC 2026depends on finding the right tactics and team balance.
Key Areas for Improvement:
1️⃣ Tactics: Nagelsmann must decide whether to focus on possession-based play, counter-attacks, or pressing to get the best out of the squad.
2️⃣ Defense: While Rüdiger leads the backline, Germany needs better full-backs and a consistent center-back partner to strengthen their defense.
3️⃣ Striker Crisis: Unlike 2014, Germany lacks a world-class goal scorer. They need either a new striker or a tactical system that maximizes scoring opportunities.
✅ If Germany fixes these issues, they can be strong contenders for WC 2026.
Happy Football