World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Germany and Japan are in different groups at the 2026 World Cup. A direct meeting can happen from the knockout stage onwards. On the FIFA ranking, Germany are the favourite — a 8-place gap.
Japan won 2-1 — een van de grootste WK-stunts ooit. Duitsland werd in de poulefase uitgeschakeld.
| Germany 🇩🇪 | Metric | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | FIFA Ranking | #17 |
| Group E | Group | Group F |
| UEFA | Confederation | AFC |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Head coach | Hajime Moriyasu |
| 20 | WC appearances | 7 |
| World champion (4x) | Best WC | Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) |
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.
Underestimate Japan at your peril. At the 2022 World Cup they eliminated both Germany (2-1) and Spain (2-1) from their group with tactically brilliant counter-attacking football. The current squad plays mostly in Europe's top leagues: Mitoma (Brighton), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Endo (Liverpool — 2025 Premier League champions). In Group F, the Netherlands are the nominal favourite, but they should be warned: Japan's pressing is relentless and their set pieces are world-class. Against Sweden and Tunisia, Japan are the favourites. Beyond the group stage, a Round of 16 spot is realistic; a quarter-final would be their best ever World Cup. Japan's football revolution rolls on.
Set your 10 sliders and decide which teams win according to your model — including this dream matchup.
Start predicting →Germany and Japan are not in the same group. A meeting can only happen from the knockout stage (Round of 16 onwards).
On the FIFA world ranking, Germany (#9) are favoured over Japan (#17). The gap is 8 ranking places.
Germany: World champion (4x) (20 World Cup appearances). Japan: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022) (7 World Cup appearances).
Germany are coached by Julian Nagelsmann. Japan are coached by Hajime Moriyasu.
Germany play in Group E. Japan play in Group F.
Last updated: 2026-06-07