Julian Nagelsmann has laid down the gauntlet for his Germany squad, declaring their intent to dominate the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign. With the shadow of past disappointments looming large, Nagelsmann is determined to instill a winning mentality and ensure a smooth passage to the 2026 World Cup.
Germany's quest begins with a challenging away fixture against Slovakia in Bratislava on Thursday. This match marks the start of their journey through the European qualifiers, where they will also face Northern Ireland and Luxembourg in Group A. Nagelsmann is acutely aware of the need to establish their authority early and set the tone for the entire campaign.
The memories of the 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil still linger, but the subsequent failures in the 2018 and 2022 editions have been a stark reminder of the volatility of international football. Germany's inability to progress beyond the group stage in those tournaments has fueled a desire for redemption and a renewed focus on reclaiming their place among the world's elite.
Under Nagelsmann's guidance, Germany reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, where they put up a valiant fight before succumbing to eventual champions Spain. A fourth-place finish in the Nations League in June further demonstrated their potential but also highlighted the areas that require improvement. Nagelsmann is determined to build on these foundations and transform Germany into a formidable force once again.
"We want to go through the games [qualifiers] with dominance," Nagelsmann asserted, emphasizing that this ambition extends beyond simply securing victories. He envisions a team that exudes control and conviction in every match, leaving no room for doubt about their superiority. "That does not mean winning 5-0 every game, but we want to play these games so as not to leave any doubt during the game. The players and everyone should feel that there were no weak phases. A 1-0 can also be dominant."
Nagelsmann's philosophy centers on instilling a sense of unwavering belief and determination within the squad. He wants his players to approach each game with the mindset that they are the superior team and to execute their game plan with precision and intensity. He believes that this mental fortitude is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving their ultimate goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
"I want to see this full conviction," Nagelsmann stated emphatically. "Not to say 'we narrowly qualified to the World Cup, and now we can start' because then it will be too late." He understands that the qualifying campaign is not merely a formality but an opportunity to build momentum, develop cohesion, and refine their tactical approach. By establishing their dominance early on, Germany can enter the World Cup with confidence and a clear sense of purpose.
Germany's recent record against Slovakia is encouraging, having emerged victorious in their last encounter, a 3-0 win in the last 16 of Euro 2016. However, Nagelsmann is wary of complacency and will ensure that his team is fully prepared for the challenge that awaits them in Bratislava. Following the match against Slovakia, Germany will return home to host Northern Ireland on Sunday.
The German Football Association also posted on their official X account, formerly known as Twitter, to announce the team that will commence the journey to the FIFA World Cup.
As Germany embark on their World Cup qualifying campaign, the pressure is on Nagelsmann and his players to deliver. The nation expects nothing less than a dominant performance, and Nagelsmann is determined to meet those expectations head-on. With a blend of experience and youthful talent, Germany has the potential to make a significant impact on the world stage. The journey begins now, and the world will be watching to see if Nagelsmann's vision of dominance can become a reality.
