Exception applied to Nagelsmann's strategy
The upcoming FIFA World Rankings, scheduled for release on July 10th, are of significant importance for the German national football team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group draw.
The World Cup finals, set to take place from June 11th to July 19th, 2026, will mark the first time that 48 teams will compete in the tournament. FIFA uses rankings from a specified date to determine the seeding and pot allocations of teams in the group stage draw, with higher-ranked teams placed in Pot 1 to avoid facing each other early in the tournament.
Germany, a historically strong team with multiple World Cup titles, has had slightly inconsistent recent performances. For instance, they failed to escape the group stage in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Their ranking in mid-2022 will play a crucial role in determining whether they are seeded among the top teams or face tougher groups early on.
The German team's position in the World Rankings may improve due to Italy's recent loss in the World Cup qualifiers in Norway (0:3) in June. Italy, like Germany, is expected to remain in the top nine teams, ensuring their placement in the top pot for the World Cup group draw.
The German team is unlikely to lose many points in the remaining four matches against Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. However, the next FIFA World Rankings release will be crucial, as it may significantly change their position in the rankings.
A ninth place in the July edition of the World Rankings would be a significant step towards the top pot for the German team. This would offer a more favourable path in the tournament, potentially increasing their chances of advancing.
It is worth noting that the FIFA has confirmed that the final tournament of the UEFA competition does not result in a points deduction. This means that the German team will retain all 1716.98 points from the current ranking in the next World Rankings.
The draw for the World Cup is scheduled to take place in early December, making the July 10th World Rankings release a critical milestone for the German national team as they strive to secure a favourable position in the tournament.
[1] FIFA World Rankings and their impact on the World Cup group draw. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fifa.com/worldranking/men/information/methodology
[2] 2026 FIFA World Cup. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/2026/
[4] History of the German National Team. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dfb.de/mens-nationalmannschaft/geschichte/
The German team's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group draw might receive a boost if they manage to secure a high ranking in the upcoming Champions League or European leagues, as these competitions are ongoing and could influence their position before the July 10th FIFA World Rankings release.
Despite struggling in recent World Cups, a strong performance in the Champions League or European leagues could help the German team climb the rankings and secure a top seeding in Pot 1, potentially avoiding tougher groups early on in the tournament.
