World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Germany and England are in different groups at the 2026 World Cup. A direct meeting can happen from the knockout stage onwards. On the FIFA ranking, England are the favourite — a 5-place gap.
1966 (de Wembley-goal), 1990 (penalty's), 1996 (Southgate), 2020 (Saka). Diepgewortelde rivaliteit.
| Germany 🇩🇪 | Metric | 🏴 England |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | FIFA Ranking | #4 |
| Group E | Group | Group L |
| UEFA | Confederation | UEFA |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Head coach | Thomas Tuchel |
| 20 | WC appearances | 17 |
| World champion (4x) | Best WC | World champion (1966) |
Two consecutive World Cups eliminated in the group stage (2018 and 2022) — for a four-time world champion, that's a national identity crisis. Under Nagelsmann, Die Mannschaft must take revenge, and at the home Euro 2024 (quarter-final) they showed cautious signs of recovery. The difference comes down to two names: Musiala and Wirtz. Two young playmakers reaching the world top at the same time — Germany haven't had players in this category since Mesut Özil. Kimmich orchestrates, Havertz scores, Ter Stegen finally takes the gloves after years as Neuer's understudy. Group E is manageable, but Ecuador can upset. The question: can Nagelsmann restore German winning mentality? Semi-final is mandatory, final is bonus.
England have reached at least the semi-final of every major tournament since 2018 — and missed out on the trophy every time. This is the Bellingham, Foden, Saka and Kane generation, and it's literally now or never. Tuchel was appointed in 2024 to deliver the one thing Southgate couldn't: a trophy. Tuchel won the Champions League with Chelsea and knows tournament football. Group L with Croatia looks tough on paper, but England are enough of a favourite to win it. Strength: midfield depth. Weakness: still the mental block on penalties. It would be poetic if England became world champions again 60 years after 1966 — but English poetry rarely ends well.
Set your 10 sliders and decide which teams win according to your model — including this dream matchup.
Start predicting →Germany and England are not in the same group. A meeting can only happen from the knockout stage (Round of 16 onwards).
On the FIFA world ranking, England (#4) are favoured over Germany (#9). The gap is 5 ranking places.
Germany: World champion (4x) (20 World Cup appearances). England: World champion (1966) (17 World Cup appearances).
Germany are coached by Julian Nagelsmann. England are coached by Thomas Tuchel.
Germany play in Group E. England play in Group L.
Last updated: 2026-06-07