A palpable sense of caution and muted expectation surrounds the German national men’s football team’s prospects at the 2026 World Cup, according to a recent Forsa poll conducted for “Der Stern” magazine. The survey reveals a significant lack of confidence in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, with only eight percent of German citizens believing the team will ultimately claim the championship. This sentiment is particularly acute in eastern Germany, where a mere one percent foresee a German victory.
The findings highlight a broader pattern of diminished faith in the national team, potentially stemming from recent performances and a period of transition. While self-identified football enthusiasts exhibit marginally higher optimism, with thirteen percent anticipating a title win, the overall mood remains decidedly pragmatic. The team secured their qualification for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, just last week, yet the qualification has failed to generate widespread enthusiasm.
The poll meticulously probed expectations for different phases of the competition, revealing a pervasive lack of bold predictions. Five percent anticipate a premature exit in the group stage, two percent foresee a defeat in the Round of 16 and fifteen percent expect elimination in the Round of 16. The most common prediction, favored by twenty-seven percent, is a quarter-final exit. Eight percent believe a final defeat is the most likely outcome, while eighteen percent anticipate a semi-final failure. Collectively, these projections suggest that sixty-one percent of Germans believe the team will at least reach the quarter-finals, but few are daring to bet on a triumphant conclusion.
The data, compiled by the market research institute Forsa and surveyed between November 20th and 21st, involving a sample of 1,007 participants, underscores a complex dynamic. While the national team enjoys consistent support, these results indicate a desire for realism and a reluctance to raise expectations prematurely. The figures also pose a subtle political question: can the team, facing significant underlying challenges, recapture the national pride and unifying power it once held, or will the cautious outlook persist, potentially impacting broader national morale? The upcoming months will prove critical in determining whether these muted expectations will be proven correct or if Nagelsmann’s team can defy the prevailing sentiment.