“Not a super easy group, but a manageable one” – Nagelsmann reflects on Germany’s World Cup draw

Julian Nagelsmann has shared his thoughts on Germany’s World Cup group-stage draw.

Following Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, Germany now knows their group-stage opponents: Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador.

Reacting to the draw, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said:

“It’s not a super easy group, but a manageable one in which we want to prevail. It’s good that we are being challenged. That you don’t have three easy opponents, that you have to work hard and push yourself to your limits.”

Nagelsmann stressed that Germany will treat every opponent with seriousness.

“Curaçao are exciting to analyse. But we won’t make the mistake of underestimating them. Côte d’Ivoire are a team you can beat, but one you shouldn’t take lightly. Ecuador are not easy to play against. They have three or four real top stars.

As for where Germany will set up their World Cup base camp, Nagelsmann kept his cards close to his chest.

“We’re not revealing anything yet. We have a team management that has been very diligent and looked at a lot. I’ve already been on the road and visited several base camps. We will find top conditions and are confident that we will be able to announce something very good,” he said.