Germany’s opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curaçao.
Germany played Ecuador in the 2006 World Cup that they hosted. The hosts won 3-0 in Berlin, with Bayern alumni Miroslav Klose (twice) and Lukas Podolski scoring the goals.G ermany also played Ecuador in a friendly in 2013. Germany won 4-2, goals from Podolski and Lars Bender (both twice).
As for Ivory Coast, Germany have also only faced them once, a 2-2 friendly draw in 2009. Lukas Podolski scored a brace, including a last minute penalty. Incidentally, Germany was actually set to play Ivory Coast in a friendly before the World Cup. The DFB will need to find a new opponent following the draw.
Meanwhile, this will be the first ever meeting between Germany and Curaçao.
Although this is not exactly the hardest group, Germany will do well to remember how arrogance cost them dearly in 2018. Should Julian Nagelsmann instill the fiery yet cool demeanor that he did in Euro 2024, Germany should have a fair shot of reaching the knockout stages.
Germany will open their tournament campaign against Curaçao on June 14th before facing Ivory Coast on the 20th. They will close out their group against Ecuador five days later. The exact kickoff times and venues will be announced in the near future.