Nagelsmann: Germany will be pushed to the limit in 2026 World Cup group

Julian Nagelsmann claimed Germany will be pushed to the limit in the 2026 World Cup, despite having a “manageable” group.

Germany were drawn alongside Ecuador, Curacao and Ivory Coast in Group E at the draw in Washington on Friday.

At next year’s tournament, the four-time winners will begin their campaign against debutants Curacao, who they have never previously faced, on June 14.

They will then play Ivory Coast on June 20, before taking on Ecuador – who they beat 3-0 at their home World Cup in 2006 – five days later.

Germany finished top of their qualifying group, winning five of their six games (L1) and rounding off the campaign with a 6-0 win over second-place Slovakia.

1-2-3 – At the 2026 World Cup, Germany will face Curacao for the first time ever, the Ivory Coast for the second time (2-2 H in a friendly in 2009) and Ecuador for the third time (3-0 at the 2006 World Cup and 4-2 in a friendly in 2013). Diversity. pic.twitter.com/6G2qnzimRc

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Although he refused to underestimate their Group E challengers, Nagelsmann is optimistic about his nation’s chances of progressing into the knockout rounds.

“It’s not a super easy group, but a manageable one in which we want to prevail,” said the Germany coach.

“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.

“Curacao are exciting to analyse. But we won’t make the mistake of underestimating them. Ivory Coast 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.”