Germany’s fate in the 2026 World Cup hangs in the balance after a crucial match against Italy, with the winner securing a coveted spot in Group A and the loser facing a tougher path in Group I.
Germany‘s Fate in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Hinges on Italy Match
The qualifying draw for the 2026 World Cup has been made, leaving Germany in a precarious position regarding their path to qualification. Despite finishing top of their Nations League group, Germany are uncertain about which World Cup qualifying group they will end up in after facing Italy in the quarterfinals.
A Win Against Italy Would Be Crucial
If Germany emerge victorious against Italy, they will be placed in Group A alongside Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. This would mean starting their qualifying campaign in September 2025, giving them a more manageable schedule compared to the potential challenges of Group I. However, even with a win, Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann notes that Group A might not be the easier path, as Norway is considered a very good team.
The Consequences of a Loss Against Italy
On the other hand, if Germany lose to Italy, they will be forced into Group I, which includes Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. This would mean a return to Germany for Erling Haaland and a first-ever qualifier against Israel for Germany’s men. The team would also face Moldova for the first time since 1999 and play Estonia again, having last faced them in qualifying for Euro 2021.
A Complicated Draw
The European part of the World Cup qualifying draw has been made, with Thomas Tuchel’s England drawn in Group K alongside Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. The 16 European teams will secure the majority of the 16 available qualifying spots through their group performances, while the runners-up (plus four teams with the best Nations League records) will compete in the playoffs for the final four European spots.
With 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup, the competition is set to be more intense than ever. Germany’s fate in the qualifiers will depend on their performance against Italy and how the other teams fare in their respective groups.
