World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Germany and France are in different groups at the 2026 World Cup. A direct meeting can happen from the knockout stage onwards. On the FIFA ranking, France are the favourite — a 7-place gap.
Halve finales WK 1982 en 1986, kwartfinale WK 2014, halve finale EK 2020. Politiek en sportief altijd geladen.
| Germany 🇩🇪 | Metric | 🇫🇷 France |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | FIFA Ranking | #2 |
| Group E | Group | Group I |
| UEFA | Confederation | UEFA |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Head coach | Didier Deschamps |
| 20 | WC appearances | 16 |
| World champion (4x) | Best WC | World champion (1998, 2018) |
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.
France do what France do: reach the last four or better every two years. Since 2018: runners-up, champions, runners-up, semi-finalist at the Euros — a tournament machine that rarely fails. Mbappé is in top form, Dembélé won the 2025 Ballon d'Or, Tchouaméni and Camavinga form the best box-to-box duo in the world. Deschamps' last World Cup as head coach — he wants to leave with gold. The danger zone is Group I: Senegal have Mané and Koulibaly, Norway have Haaland and Ødegaard. No formality. But in the knockouts: a second World Cup title in eight years is realistic.
Set your 10 sliders and decide which teams win according to your model — including this dream matchup.
Start predicting →Germany and France are not in the same group. A meeting can only happen from the knockout stage (Round of 16 onwards).
On the FIFA world ranking, France (#2) are favoured over Germany (#9). The gap is 7 ranking places.
Germany: World champion (4x) (20 World Cup appearances). France: World champion (1998, 2018) (16 World Cup appearances).
Germany are coached by Julian Nagelsmann. France are coached by Didier Deschamps.
Germany play in Group E. France play in Group I.
Last updated: 2026-06-07