Germany finished top of Group E at FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: AP

Germany finished top of its group at the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite falling to a 1-2 defeat against Ecuador at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday.

The four-time champion beat Curacao and Ivory Coast in its first two games, which ensured that it made it to the knockout stage for the first time since 2014.

Who will Germany face in the round of 32?

With the World Cup being expanded to 48 teams for this edition, the 12 teams finishing first and second in each group, as well as the eight best teams among those finishing third will qualify for the round of 32.

Germany finished first in Group E, which means that according to the draw, it will take on a third-place finisher from any of Groups A, B, C, D and F.

As it stands the following teams are third in Groups A,B,C,D, and F:

• A - South Korea
• B - Bosnia and Herzegovina
• C - Scotland
• D - Paraguay
• F - Sweden

Published on Jun 26, 2026