When and Where Germany Play at the 2026 World Cup — Full Schedule, Fixtures and Group Stage Guide
Germany arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament's most watchable sides — and Joshua Kimmich's squad now know exactly when, where and who they will face as they begin their pursuit of a fifth world title.
Germany's Group
Die Mannschaft have been drawn into Group E alongside Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador. On paper, it is a group Germany should navigate comfortably — but Côte d'Ivoire in particular carry genuine attacking quality and will not be taken lightly, while Ecuador's physicality and organisational discipline have troubled stronger sides than this in recent tournaments.
Germany will be expected to top the group. The manner in which they do so — and the momentum they carry into the knockout rounds — will matter just as much as the results themselves.
Germany's Group Stage Fixtures
Die Mannschaft's three group matches take place across three different cities and three of the tournament's most impressive venues:
- June 14 — Germany vs Curaçao | Houston Stadium | 1pm ET
- June 20 — Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire | Toronto Stadium | 4pm ET
- June 25 — Ecuador vs Germany | New York/New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford | 4pm ET
The opener against Curaçao in Houston is the most straightforward fixture on paper — a chance for Germany to hit the ground running and establish their attacking identity early. The Côte d'Ivoire match in Toronto is the real test of the group stage, while the final fixture against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium — the same venue that will host the World Cup final on July 19 — gives the group stage an appropriately grand backdrop.
The Bigger Picture
Germany's 2022 World Cup in Qatar ended in the group stage — a second consecutive early exit that prompted a significant rebuilding process. Under their current setup, the emphasis has shifted toward a younger, more dynamic squad built around technical quality and positional flexibility, with Kimmich providing the leadership and experience to hold it together.
The 2026 tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The final takes place at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — a venue Germany will be hoping to visit in a different capacity than their group stage fixture on June 25.
After the disappointments of the last two tournaments, Germany arrive in North America with something to prove. Group E gives them every opportunity to start proving it.
Key Tournament Dates
The 2026 World Cup kicks off with the group stage from June 11 to June 27. The Round of 32 will be played from June 28 to July 3, followed by the Round of 16 between July 4 and July 7. The quarter-finals take place from July 9 to 11, with the semi-finals on July 14 and 15. The third-place play-off is scheduled for July 18, before the tournament concludes with the final on July 19.
