Germany's Group E path is manageable on paper, but Ecuador and Côte d'Ivoire make it a real test of defensive balance and pressure management.
Germany need Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz to create between lines without leaving the midfield exposed to direct counters.
Key question: Will Germany defend transitions well enough to avoid another tournament group-stage crisis?
Knockout ceiling: Quarter-final or better if the possession structure finally matches the quality of the attacking midfield.
Two consecutive group stage exits. A painful rebuild. Now Germany arrive at 2026 with something to prove. A tactical breakdown of their squad, system, and realistic chances.
Out in the group stage in 2018 and 2022. Germany cannot afford a third consecutive disaster. Wirtz and Musiala give them a genuine chance — but the pressure is immense.
Germany have the easiest path to the knockouts on paper. But Ivory Coast's African Cup winners and Ecuador's physicality could cause problems.