The German national team once again became one of the most talked-about sides in Europe after hosting Euro 2024. The tournament showed that the crisis years are gradually fading into the past: consistent results, high scoring output, and a new generation of leaders have emerged. Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, the team is confidently moving toward the 2026 World Cup, combining youth and experience. This article takes a detailed look at the numbers, key matches, and the real prospects of the Bundesteam.
Euro 2024: The Tournament That Restored Faith in the Bundesteam
Euro 2024 was Germany’s first major tournament in a long time where the team looked confident over the course of the competition. In Group A, the Germans collected 7 points: they crushed Scotland 5–1, comfortably defeated Hungary 2–0, and finished the stage with a 1–1 draw against Switzerland. Those who placed bets through the bookmaker MelBet UZ at the time and analyzed the statistics in a dedicated section surely remember that Germany scored 8 goals at this stage. That is more than in the previous two World Cups combined.
In the Round of 16, a 2–0 victory over Denmark followed, and in the quarterfinals Germany lost to Spain only in extra time, 1–2. The overall tournament record — 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss with a goal difference of 10:4. Such a result became an important signal: the Bundesteam is once again capable of competing at the level of top national teams.
Nagelsmann and the New Energy of the German National Team
After Euro 2024, Julian Nagelsmann officially extended his contract through the 2026 World Cup, which fans can already place bets on via the MelBet APK mobile application. It is also important to note that Julian has begun a serious squad rebuild. The main focus has been on rejuvenating the team without sacrificing quality of play and tactical flexibility. These changes are confirmed by specific indicators and personnel decisions:
- The average age of the squad has dropped to around 25 years;
- The base formation has become 4-2-3-1 with active pressing;
- Since July 2024, Germany has maintained an average scoring rate of about 2.5 goals per match;
- A run of 17 matches unbeaten in regular time has become one of the best streaks of the past decade.
This work looks not like a rebuild for the sake of experimentation, but like clear preparation for the decisive 2026 cycle.
Farewell to the Legends and the Start of a New Era
After the Euros, the national team fully entered a new phase. Toni Kroos ended his career, while Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and İlkay Gündoğan gradually stepped away from their roles as key figures. In total, these players made 451 appearances for Germany, and their departure became one of the most significant squad changes in recent years.
At the same time, the generational shift happened smoothly. Leadership responsibilities moved to Joshua Kimmich, while the attacking line is now built around Musiala and Wirtz. The squad has become faster, more mobile, and noticeably fresher — something already reflected in results in tournaments after Euro 2024.
Young Leaders: Musiala, Wirtz, and the Future of the Attack
Jamal Musiala has become the key figure of the new generation. At just 21 years old, he already has 35 caps and 13 goals for the national team — numbers comparable to the best German players of that age over the past 20 years. Florian Wirtz complements him as the main creator: 26 matches and 8 goals.
Niklas Woltemade has also made a strong statement, scoring 5 goals in 12 matches, including a brace in qualification. At the same time, experienced players like Sané (70 caps, 18 goals) and Gnabry (50 matches, 22 goals) maintain the balance between youthful speed and proven quality. Germany’s attack now has a depth that was lacking in tournaments before 2020.
Nations League: Stability and Confidence in Performance
In the 2024/25 Nations League, Germany confidently won Group A3, remaining unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 draws and a goal difference of 18:4. The team averaged 3 goals per match, while the 7–0 demolition of Bosnia became one of the national team’s biggest victories in recent years. The key group-stage matches looked as follows:
| Match | Score | Date | Stage |
| Germany – Hungary | 5:0 | 07.09.24 | Group |
| Netherlands – Germany | 2:2 | 10.09.24 | Group |
| Bosnia – Germany | 1:2 | 11.10.24 | Group |
| Germany – Netherlands | 1:0 | 14.10.24 | Group |
| Germany – Bosnia | 7:0 | 16.11.24 | Group |
The Final Four added important experience that directly contributes to preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: A Strong Push Toward the Global Stage
Germany’s qualification campaign for the World Cup was confident and highly productive. The team won Group A, securing 5 victories in 6 matches and finishing with a goal difference of 16:3. The defensive record is especially impressive: four consecutive clean-sheet wins became one of the strongest streaks in European qualifying.
The most striking match was the 6–0 demolition of Slovakia, with goals from Sané, Gnabry, Woltemade, Baku, and Ouédraogo. Germany qualified for the World Cup for the 21st time — a record among European national teams. Such a qualifying campaign shows that the team approaches 2026 not as a contender chasing others, but as a genuine favorite.
Key Stars and Talents Shaping the Team
The modern German national team stands out for its squad depth and clear distribution of roles. Ahead of the final preparation phase for the 2026 World Cup, the following groups of players are especially important:
- Musiala (35 matches, 13 goals) and Wirtz (26/8) as key attacking leaders;
- Kimmich (95 caps) and Goretzka (60 matches, 15 goals) as the experienced core in midfield;
- Tah and Schlotterbeck as the main pair of the renewed defense;
- Young U23 talents: Wanner (18), Darvich (17), Gruda (20), Ouédraogo (19).
Such a balance between stability and fresh names rarely appears by chance — it is built over years of proper development.
Return to the Elite: How Close Is Germany to the Top?
After Euro 2024, Germany has already returned to being one of the most consistent national teams in Europe. The team wins regularly, maintains high scoring efficiency, and quickly integrates young players at the highest level. Ten victories since the summer of 2024, a confident qualification campaign, and a strong attacking line provide real grounds to speak about a return to the elite. The 2026 World Cup becomes the logical stage where the Bundesteam can confirm this progress on the global stage.
Frankie Wilde – is a content writer at various gambling sites. Also, he is a passionate traveler and a great cook. Frankie shares informative articles with the world.
