Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has cautioned his teammates against underestimating the challenge of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite widespread expectations that Germany are well positioned to advance.​
Germany have been drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Their tournament begins on Sunday in Houston with a match against Curacao, who are making their World Cup debut under head coach Dick Advocaat.​
While statistical projections rate Germany among the strongest teams to reach the knockout rounds, Kimmich stressed that the squad is concentrating on individual matches rather than looking ahead in the competition.​
The midfielder emphasized the importance of making a strong start, pointing to Germany's recent World Cup experiences. The four-time world champions were eliminated during the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, outcomes that remain rare in the nation's World Cup history.​
Kimmich said the group should not be viewed as straightforward and believes every opponent will present a difficult challenge. He noted that Germany must perform at a high level from the outset if they hope to achieve their objective of competing for the title.​
According to the captain, ambition alone will not be enough to secure success. Instead, Germany must focus on the work required to win matches and build momentum throughout the tournament.​
Germany will be based at Wake Forest University in North Carolina during the World Cup. The team heads into the competition after defeating the United States 2-1 in a friendly match in Chicago last weekend.​
Kimmich also discussed the importance of feeling comfortable within the team's tournament base. While acknowledging that positive surroundings can help players settle during a long competition, he noted that a successful World Cup campaign ultimately depends on performances on the pitch.​
Germany's group-stage schedule continues with a meeting against Ivory Coast in Toronto on June 20, followed by a clash with Ecuador in New Jersey on June 25.​
As Germany prepare for another World Cup campaign, Kimmich's message is clear: no opponent should be underestimated, and the team's full focus must remain on the challenges immediately ahead.