Germany national football team

The Germany national football team (Template:Langx) represents Germany in men's international football and played its first match in 1908. The team is governed by the German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund), founded in 1900. Between 1949 and 1990, separate German national teams were recognised by FIFA due to Allied occupation and division: the DFB's team representing the Federal Republic of Germany (commonly referred to as West Germany in English between 1949 and 1990), the Saarland team representing the Saar Protectorate (1950–1956) and the East Germany team representing the German Democratic Republic (1952–1990). The latter two were absorbed along with their records; the present team represents the reunified Federal Republic. The official name and code "Germany FR (FRG)" was shortened to "Germany (GER)" following reunification in 1990.

Germany is one of the most successful national teams in international competitions, having won four FIFA World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014), tied with Italy, and only one fewer than the most successful team, Brazil. Having won three European Championships (1972, 1980, and 1996) Germany is second behind Spain, the record holder in that international competition with four. Germany also won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017. They have also been runners-up at the European Championship three times, and four times at the World Cup, with a further four third-place finishes at the World Cup. East Germany won Olympic Gold in 1976. Germany was the first, and is one of only two nations to have won both the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup (the other being Spain). By combined World Cups, Germany stands as the most successful football nation in history with six World Cups – four for the men's team and two for the women's. At the end of the 2014 World Cup, Germany earned the second highest Elo rating of any national football team in history, with 2,223 points. Germany is also the only European nation that has won a FIFA World Cup in the Americas.

History

Early years (1899–1942)

File:German national team at its first official international match in 1908.jpg

Germany national team at its first official international match in 1908

On 18 April 1897, an early international game on German soil was played in Hamburg when a selection team from the Danish Football Association defeated a selection team from the Hamburg-Altona Football Association, 5–0.

Between 1899 and 1901, prior to the formation of a national team, there were five international matches between Germany and English selection teams, which are today not recognised as official by either nation's football association (in part because England fielded their amateur side, which was an overflow or B team). All five matches ended in large defeats for the Germany teams, including a 12–0 loss at White Hart Lane in September 1901. Eight years after the establishment of the German Football Association (DFB) in 1900, the first official match of the Germany national football teamTemplate:Efn was played on 5 April 1908, against Switzerland in Basel, with the Swiss winning 5–3. A follow-up to the earlier series between England Amateurs and Germany occurred in March 1909 at Oxford's White House Ground and resulted in Germany's largest official defeat to date: 9–0 (this time, the match was recognised and recorded as official by the DFB but not by the FA, again due to the amateur side being fielded). These early confrontations formed the beginning of the rich rivalry between the two teams: one of the longest and most enduring international rivalries in football.

Julius Hirsch was the first Jewish player to represent the Germany national football team, which he joined in 1911. Hirsch scored four goals for Germany against the Netherlands in 1912, becoming the first German to score four goals in a single match.

File:Gottfried Fuchs.jpg

Forward Gottfried Fuchs, key player for Germany at the 1912 Olympic Games

Gottfried Fuchs scored a world record 10 goals for Germany in a 16–0 win against Russia at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm on 1 July, becoming the top scorer of the tournament; his international record was not surpassed until 2001 when Australia's Archie Thompson scored 13 goals in a 31–0 defeat of American Samoa. He was Jewish, and the German Football Association erased all references to him from their records between 1933 and 1945. As of 2016, he was still the top German scorer for one match.

At that time the players were selected by the DFB, as there was no dedicated coach. The first manager of the Germany national team was Otto Nerz, a school teacher from Mannheim, who served in the role from 1926 to 1936. The German FA could not afford travel to Uruguay for the first World Cup staged in 1930 during the Great Depression, but finished third in the 1934 World Cup in their first appearance in the competition. After a poor showing at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Sepp Herberger became coach. In 1937 he put together a squad which was soon nicknamed the Breslau Elf (the Breslau Eleven) in recognition of their 8–0 win over Denmark in the then German city of Breslau, Lower Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland).

After Austria became part of Germany in the Anschluss of March 1938, the Austrian national team – one of Europe's best sides at the time due to professionalism – was disbanded despite having already qualified for the 1938 World Cup. Nazi politicians ordered five or six ex-Austrian players, from the clubs Rapid Vienna, Austria Vienna, and First Vienna FC, to join the "all-German" team on short notice in a staged show of unity for political reasons. At the 1938 World Cup in France, this "united" Germany national team managed only a 1–1 draw against Switzerland and then lost the replay 2–4 in front of a hostile crowd in Paris. That early exit stands as Germany's worst World Cup result, and one of just three occasions the team failed to progress from the group stage – the next would not occur until the 2018 tournament, and it would be repeated in 2022.

During World War II, the team played over 30 international games between September 1939 and November 1942. National team games were then suspended, as most players had to join the armed forces. Many of the national team players were gathered together under coach Herberger as Rote Jäger through the efforts of a sympathetic air force officer trying to protect the footballers from the most dangerous wartime service.

Three German national teams (1945–1990)

After World War II, Germany was banned from competition in most sports until 1950. The DFB was not a full member of FIFA, and none of the three new German states – West Germany, East Germany, and Saarland – entered the 1950 World Cup qualifiers.

The Federal Republic of Germany, which was referred to as West Germany, continued the DFB. With recognition by FIFA and UEFA, the DFB maintained and continued the record of the pre-war team. Switzerland was the first team that played West Germany in 1950, with the latter qualifying for the 1954 World Cup and the former hosting it.

The Saarland, a French protectorate between 1947 and 1956, did not join French organisations, and was barred from participating in pan-German ones. It sent their own team to the 1952 Summer Olympics and the 1954 World Cup qualifiers. In 1957, Saarland acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany.

In 1949, the communist German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was founded. In 1952 the Deutscher Fußball-Verband der DDR (DFV) was established and the East Germany national football team took to the field. They were the only team to beat the 1974 FIFA World Cup-winning West Germans in the only meeting of the two sides of the divided nation. East Germany won the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics. After German reunification in 1990, the eastern football competition was reintegrated into the DFB.

1954 World Cup victory

File:Helmut Rahn.jpg

Helmut Rahn scored the winning goal in the 1954 FIFA World Cup final.

West Germany, captained by Fritz Walter, met in the 1954 World Cup against Turkey, Yugoslavia and Austria. When playing favourites Hungary in the group stage, West Germany lost 3–8, and faced the Hungarian "Mighty Magyars" again in the final. Hungary had gone unbeaten for 32 consecutive matches, and West Germany snapped the streak by winning 3–2, with Helmut Rahn scoring the winning goal. The success is called "The Miracle of Bern" (Das Wunder von Bern).

Memorable losses: Wembley goal and game of the century (1958–1970)

After finishing fourth in the 1958 World Cup and only reaching the quarter-finals four years later, the DFB made changes. Professionalism was introduced, and the best clubs from the various Regionalligas were assembled into the new Bundesliga. In 1964, Helmut Schön took over as coach, replacing Herberger who had been in office for 28 years.

In the 1966 World Cup, West Germany reached the final after beating the USSR in the semi-final, facing hosts England. In extra time, the first goal by Geoff Hurst was one of the most contentious goals in the history of the World Cup: the linesman signalled the ball had crossed the line for a goal, after bouncing down from the crossbar, when replays showed it did not appear to have fully crossed the line. Hurst then scored another goal giving England a 4–2 win.

West Germany knocked England out in the 1970 World Cup quarter-finals 3–2, before they suffered a 4–3 extra-time loss in the semi-final against Italy. This match with five goals in extra time is one of the most dramatic in World Cup history, and is called the "Game of the Century" in both Italy and Germany. West Germany claimed third place by beating Uruguay 1–0. Gerd Müller finished as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals.

1974 World Cup title on home soil

File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-N0716-0314, Fußball-WM, BRD - Niederlande 2-1.jpg

The 1974 FIFA World Cup Final on 7 July, in Munich's Olympiastadion

In 1971, Franz Beckenbauer became captain of the national team, and he led West Germany to victory at the European Championship at Euro 1972, defeating the Soviet Union 3–0 in the final.

As hosts of the 1974 World Cup, they won their second World Cup, defeating the Netherlands 2–1 in the final in Munich. Two matches in the 1974 World Cup stood out for West Germany. The first group stage saw a politically charged match as West Germany played a game against East Germany. The East Germans won 1–0 but it made a scant difference to West Germany as the West Germans advanced to the knockout stage. The West Germans advanced to the final against the Johan Cruyff-led Dutch team and their brand of "Total Football". The Dutch took the lead from a penalty. However, West Germany equalised with a penalty by Paul Breitner, and won the match with Gerd Müller's fine finish soon after.

Late 1970s and early 1980s

File:Muller 1974.jpg

Gerd Müller in 1974

West Germany failed to defend their titles in the next two major international tournaments. They lost to Czechoslovakia in the UEFA Euro 1976 final in a penalty shootout 5–3, their last penalty shootout loss in a major tournament as of 2025.

In the 1978 World Cup, Germany was eliminated in the second group stage after losing 3–2 to Austria. Schön retired as coach afterward, and the post was taken over by his assistant, Jupp Derwall.

West Germany's first tournament under Derwall was successful, as they earned their second European title at Euro 1980 after defeating Belgium 2–1 in the final. West Germany started the 1982 World Cup with a 1–2 upset by newcomers Algeria in their first match, but advanced to the second round with a controversial 1–0 win over Austria. In the semi-final against France, they drew 3–3 and won the penalty shootout 5–4. In the final, they were defeated by Italy 1–3.

During this period, West Germany's Gerd Müller racked up fourteen goals in two World Cups (1970 and 1974). His ten goals in 1970 are the third-most ever in a tournament. Müller's all-time World Cup record of 14 goals was broken by Ronaldo in 2006; this was then further broken by Miroslav Klose in 2014 with 16 goals.

Beckenbauer's managing success (1984–1990)

File:Franz Beckenbauer Bambi-Verleihung (cropped).jpg

Franz Beckenbauer in 1990

After West Germany were eliminated in the first round of Euro 1984, Franz Beckenbauer returned to the national team to replace Derwall as manager. At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, West Germany finished as runners-up for the second consecutive tournament after beating France 2–0 in the semi-finals, but losing to the Diego Maradona-led Argentina in the final, 2–3. In Euro 1988, after drawing Italy 1–1 and beating both Denmark and Spain 2–0 in the group stage, West Germany's hopes of winning the tournament on home soil were spoiled by the Netherlands, as the Dutch beat them 2–1 in the semi-finals.

At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, West Germany won their third World Cup title, in its unprecedented third consecutive final appearance. Captained by Lothar Matthäus, they defeated Yugoslavia (4–1), UAE (5–1), the Netherlands (2–1), Czechoslovakia (1–0), and England (1–1, 4–3 on penalty kicks) on the way to a final rematch against Argentina in Rome. West Germany won 1–0, with the only goal being a penalty scored in the 85th minute by Andreas Brehme. Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup as the national team's captain in 1974, thus became the first person to win the World Cup as both captain and manager, and the second to win as player and manager, after Mario Zagallo of Brazil.

Olympic football

Medal record
Summer Olympic Games

East Germany did however achieve significantly greater success in Olympic football than the amateur teams fielded by the Western NOC of Germany due to using its elite players from the top domestic league. In 1956, 1960, and 1964 both states had sent a United Team of Germany. For 1964, the East German side had beaten their Western counterparts in order to be selected. They went on to win the bronze medal for Germany. As GDR, they won bronze in 1972 in Munich, gold in 1976 in Montreal, and silver in 1980 in Moscow.

Prior to 1984, Olympic football was an amateur event, meaning that only non-professional players could participate.Template:Efn Due to this, West Germany was never able to achieve the same degree of success at the Olympics as at the World Cup. The first medal coming in the 1988 Olympics, when they won the bronze medal after beating Italy 3–0 in the 3rd place match. West Germany also reached the second round in both 1972 and 1984. On the other hand, due to having an ability to field its top-level players who were classified as amateurs on a technicality East Germany did better, winning a gold, a silver and two bronze medals (one representing the United Team of Germany).

Berti Vogts years (1990–1998)

File:Berti Vogts 2012.jpg

Berti Vogts

In February 1990, three months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany and West Germany were drawn together in UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying. In November 1990, the East German association Deutscher Fußball-Verband integrated into the DFB, by which time the East Germany team had ceased operations, playing its last match on 12 September 1990. The unified Germany national team completed the European Championship qualifying group. The East German 1990–91 league continued, with a restructuring of German leagues in 1991–92. The first game with a unified Germany national team was against Switzerland on 19 December 1990.

After the 1990 World Cup, assistant Berti Vogts took over as the national team coach from the retiring Beckenbauer. In Euro 1992, Germany reached the final, but lost 0–2 to underdogs Denmark. In the 1994 World Cup, they were upset 1–2 in the quarterfinals by Bulgaria.

Reunified Germany won its first major international title at Euro 1996, becoming European champions for the third time. They defeated hosts England in the semi-finals, and the Czech Republic 2–1 in the final on a golden goal in extra time.

However, in the 1998 World Cup, Germany were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a 0–3 defeat to Croatia, with all goals being scored after defender Christian Wörns received a straight red card. Vogts stepped down afterwards and was replaced by Erich Ribbeck.

Erich Ribbeck and Rudi Völler years (2000–2004)

In Euro 2000, the team went out in the first round, drawing with Romania, then suffering a 1–0 defeat to England and were routed 3–0 by Portugal (which fielded their backup players, having already advanced). Ribbeck resigned, and was replaced by Rudi Völler.

Coming into the 2002 World Cup, expectations of Germany were low due to poor results in the qualifiers, and not directly qualifying for the finals for the first time. The team advanced from the group, and in the knockout stages they produced three consecutive 1–0 wins against Paraguay, the United States, and co-hosts South Korea. Oliver Neuville scored two minutes from time against Paraguay and Michael Ballack scored both goals in the US and South Korea games, although he picked up a second yellow card against South Korea for a tactical foul and was suspended for the subsequent match. This set up a final against Brazil, the first World Cup meeting between the two. Germany lost 0–2 thanks to two Ronaldo goals. Nevertheless, German captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn won the Golden Ball, the first time in the World Cup that a goalkeeper was named the best player of the tournament.

File:Germany-Argentina DonauArena Regensburg.jpg

Fans watching Germany vs. Argentina in the 2006 World Cup at the Donau Arena in Regensburg

Germany once again exited in the first round at Euro 2004, drawing their first two matches and losing the third to the Czech Republic (who had fielded a second-string team). Völler resigned afterwards, and Jürgen Klinsmann was appointed head coach.

Resurgence under Klinsmann (2004–2006)

Klinsmann's main task was to lead the national team to a good showing at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He relieved goalkeeper Kahn of the captaincy and announced that Kahn and longtime backup Jens Lehmann would be competing for the position of starting goaltender, a decision that angered Kahn and Lehmann eventually won that contest. Expectations for the team were low, which was not helped by veteran defender Christian Wörns being dropped (after Wörns criticised Klinsmann for designating him only as a backup player on the squad), a choice roundly panned in Germany. Italy routed Germany 4–1 in a March 2006 exhibition game, and Klinsmann bore the brunt of the criticism as the team was ranked only 22nd in the world entering the 2006 World Cup.

As World Cup hosts, Germany won all three group stage matches to finish top of their group. The team defeated Sweden 2–0 in the round of 16, and Argentina in the quarter-finals in a penalty shootout. The semi-final against Italy was scoreless until near the end of extra time when Germany conceded two goals. In the third place match, Germany defeated Portugal 3–1. Miroslav Klose was awarded the Golden Boot for his tournament-leading five goals.

Löw era (2006–2021)

Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012

Germany's entry into the Euro 2008 qualifying round was marked by the promotion of Joachim Löw following the resignation of Klinsmann. At UEFA Euro 2008, Germany won two out of three matches in group play to advance to the knockout round. They defeated Portugal 3–2 in the quarter-final, and won their semi-final against Turkey. Germany lost the final against Spain 1–0, finishing as runners-up.

At the 2010 World Cup, Germany won the group and advanced to the knockout stage. In the round of 16, Germany defeated England 4–1. Miroslav Klose tied Gerd Müller's record of 14 World Cup goals, as Germany defeated Argentina 4–0 in the quarterfinals. In the semi-finals, Germany lost 1–0 to Spain. They defeated Uruguay 3–2 to finish third. Thomas Müller won the Golden Boot and the Best Young Player Award.

File:Deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft 2011-06-03 (01).jpg

Germany during Euro 2012 qualifiers

At Euro 2012, Germany was placed in Group B along with Portugal, Netherlands, and Denmark. Germany won all three group matches, and then defeated Greece in the quarter-finals as they set a record of 15 consecutive wins in all competitive matches. In the semi-finals, Germany lost to Italy, 2–1.

2014 World Cup victory

File:Germany lifts the 2014 FIFA World Cup.jpg

Germany lifting the World Cup trophy in 2014

Germany were placed in Group G of the 2014 World Cup, with Portugal, Ghana, and the United States. They first faced Portugal in a match billed by some as the "team of all the talents against the team of The Talent (Cristiano Ronaldo)", routing the Portuguese 4–0 thanks to a hat-trick by Thomas Müller. In their match with Ghana, they led the game before Ghana fought back to take the lead. When Klose scored to level the match at 2–2, he netted his 15th World Cup goal to join former Brazil striker Ronaldo at the pinnacle of World Cup Finals scorers. They then went on to defeat the Klinsmann-led United States 1–0, securing them a spot in the knockout stages.

The round of 16 knockout match against Algeria remained goalless after regulation time, resulting in an extra time period where André Schürrle scored from a Thomas Müller pass after only less than two minutes. Mesut Özil scored Germany's second goal in the 120th minute with the match ending 2–1. In the quarter-finals against France, Mats Hummels scored the only goal in the 13th minute, as Germany advanced to a record fourth consecutive semi-final.

File:Germany champions 2014 FIFA World Cup.jpg

Germany posing with a "Champions" banner after the 2014 World Cup final

The 7–1 semi-final win against Brazil was one of the most memorable games in World Cup history; Germany scored four goals in just less than seven minutes and were 5–0 up by the 30th minute with goals from Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira and two from Toni Kroos. Germany's 7–0 lead in the second half was the highest score against Brazil in a single game. It was Brazil's worst ever World Cup defeat, whilst Germany broke multiple World Cup records with the win, including the record broken by Klose, the first team to reach four consecutive World Cup semi-finals, the first team to score seven goals in a World Cup knockout phase game, the fastest five consecutive goals in World Cup history (with four of the goals scored in just 400 seconds), and the first team to score five goals in the first half in a World Cup semi-final.

The World Cup final was held at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro on 13 July. Mario Götze's 113th-minute goal helped Germany beat Argentina 1–0, becoming the first-ever European team to win a FIFA World Cup in the Americas and the second European team to win the title outside Europe.

Euro 2016 to 2017 Confederations Cup

After several players retired from the team following the 2014 World Cup, including Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose, the team had a disappointing start in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. They defeated Scotland 2–1 at home, then suffered a 2–0 loss at Poland (the first in their history), a 1–1 draw against the Republic of Ireland, and a 4–0 win over Gibraltar. Troubles during qualifying for Euro 2016 continued, drawing at home, as well as losing away to Ireland; the team also only narrowly defeated Scotland on two occasions, but handily won the return against Poland and both games against Gibraltar (who competed for the first time). They would eventually win their group and qualify for the tournament.

On 13 November 2015, Germany played a friendly against France in Paris when a series of terrorist attacks took place in the city, some in the direct vicinity of the Stade de France, where the game was held. For security reasons, the team spent the night inside the stadium, accompanied by the French squad who stayed behind in an act of comradery. Four days later, Germany was scheduled to face the Netherlands at Hanover's HDI-Arena, in another friendly. After initial security reservations, the DFB decided to play the match on 15 November. After reports about a concrete threat to the stadium, the match was cancelled 90 minutes before kickoff.

At UEFA Euro 2016, Germany began their campaign with a 2–0 win against Ukraine. Against Poland, Germany were held to a 0–0 draw but concluded Group C play with a 1–0 win against Northern Ireland. In the round of 16, Germany faced Slovakia and earned a comfortable 3–0 win. Germany then faced off against rivals Italy in the quarter-finals. Mesut Özil opened the scoring in the 65th minute for Germany, before Leonardo Bonucci equalised after netting a penalty thirteen minutes later. The score remained 1–1 after extra time, and Germany beat Italy 6–5 in a penalty shootout. It was the first time Germany had overcome Italy in a major tournament. The Germans lost to hosts France 2–0 in the semi-finals, their first competitive win against Germany in 58 years.

Germany qualified for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup after winning the 2014 World Cup, and won the last version of the Confederations Cup after a 1–0 win against Chile in the final at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Disappointment at the 2018 World Cup, 2018–19 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020

File:Public Viewing Fußball-Weltmeisterschaft 2018 - Südkorea – Deutschland - Fan Park Hamburg 07.jpg

Fans in Hamburg watching the match between Germany and South Korea

After winning all their qualifying matches and the Confederations Cup the previous year, Germany started their 2018 World Cup campaign with a defeat to Mexico, their first loss in an opening match since the 1982 World Cup. Germany defeated Sweden 2–1 in their second game via an injury-time winner from Toni Kroos, but were subsequently eliminated following a 2–0 loss to South Korea, their first exit in the first round since 1938 and first in the group stage since the format had been reintroduced in 1950. With this result Germany became the fifth defending champions to be eliminated in the group stages of the World Cup, following Brazil in 1966, France in 2002, Italy in 2010, and Spain in 2014.

Following the World Cup, Germany's struggles continued into the inaugural UEFA Nations League. After a 0–0 draw at home against France, they lost 3–0 against the Netherlands and 2–1 in the rematch against France three days later; the latter result being their fourth loss in six competitive matches. Due to results elsewhere, the relegation to League B was originally confirmed, but due to the overhaul of the format for the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League, Germany were spared from relegation to League B.

In March 2021, the DFB announced that Löw would step down as Germany's manager after UEFA Euro 2020. Later that month, Germany lost 2–1 at home to North Macedonia in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, their first World Cup qualification defeat since losing 5–1 to England in September 2001 and only their third in history. On 25 May 2021, the DFB announced that former assistant manager Hansi Flick would replace Löw as head coach.

At Euro 2020 (delayed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Germany were drawn with World Cup champions France (to whom they lost 1–0) and reigning European champions Portugal (whom they defeated 4–2), with each group having only two guaranteed qualifiers for the next phase, plus a chance for the third-placed team. In the final group match, the Hungarians took the lead twice only to draw. Germany then lost 2–0 to England in the round of 16, their first round of 16 exit in a major tournament since the 1938 World Cup.

Recent years (2021–present)

Following Germany's disappointment at Euro 2020, Hansi Flick, former Bayern Munich manager, took over as coach of the national team. On 11 October 2021, Germany beat North Macedonia 4–0 to become the first team (outside of the hosts) to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In the 2022–23 Nations League, Germany recorded their first-ever competitive win against Italy as the Germans beat the visitors 5–2. This was Germany's fourth game and first win in the league, however the Germans finished third in the group.

File:2022 FIFA World Cup Germany 1–2 Japan - Germany lineup.jpg

Germany during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The players covered their mouths in protest of FIFA's ban of pro-LGBTQ+ armbands.

At the 2022 World Cup, Germany were drawn into Group E with Spain, Japan and Costa Rica. The campaign started with a shock 2–1 defeat to Japan. Germany drew 1–1 with Spain, and then were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage for the second consecutive tournament, despite a 4–2 win over Costa Rica, missing out on a place in the knockout stages on goal difference.

After several poor performances following Germany's World Cup exit – including a 4–1 home loss to Japan – Flick was dismissed on 10 September 2023. On 22 September 2023, Julian Nagelsmann was named the new head coach. After a rocky end to 2023, only winning one out of four games, Germany found itself back in form in the new year with a second victory against France and the Netherlands, strengthening hopes for a successful UEFA Euro 2024 campaign.

As hosts of Euro 2024, Germany won the tournament's opening match against Scotland 5–1. Germany went on to defeat Hungary 2–0 in their second match to qualify for the round of 16. After defeating Denmark in the round of 16, Germany went on to the quarter-finals, where they were defeated 2–1 after extra time by Spain.

Team image

Kits and crest

File:World Cup 2006 German fans at Bochum.jpg

The 2006 World Cup saw a widespread public display of the German national flag.

The national team's home kit has been traditionally a white shirt, black shorts, and white socks. The colours are derived from the 19th-century flag of the North German State of Prussia. Since 1988, many of the home kit's designs incorporate details patterned after the modern German flag. For the 2014 World Cup, Germany's kit was white shorts rather than the traditional black due to FIFA's kit clashing rule for the tournament. The away shirt colour has changed several times. Historically, a green shirt with white shorts is the most often used alternative colour combination, derived from the DFB colours – though it is often erroneously reported that the choice is in recognition of the fact that Ireland, whose home shirts are green, were the first nation to play Germany in a friendly game after World War II. However, the first team to play Germany after WWII, as stated above, was actually Switzerland. Other colours such as red, grey and black have also been used.

A change from black to red came in 2005 on the request of Jürgen Klinsmann, but Germany played every game at the 2006 World Cup in its home white colours. In 2010, the away colours then changed back to a black shirt and white shorts, but at the World Cup, the team dressed up in the black shorts from the home kit. The kit used by Germany returned to a green shirt on its away kit, but then changed again to red-and-black striped shirts with white stripes and letters and black shorts.

Adidas AG is the longstanding kit provider to the national team, a sponsorship that began in 1954 and is contracted to continue until at least 2022. In the 70s, Germany wore Erima kits (a German brand, formerly a subsidiary of Adidas). In March 2024, Nike was announced as the new kit sponsor after 70 years of Adidas, causing widespread criticism and backlash.

As a common practice, three stars were added above the crest in 1996, symbolising Germany's World Cup titles in 1954, 1974, and 1990. In 2014, a fourth star was added after Germany were crowned world champions for the fourth time.

Kit suppliers

Kit supplier	Period	Notes
Template:Flagdeco Leuzela	1950–1964	Germany wore Leuzela kits during the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
Template:Flagdeco Umbro	1964–1971	Germany wore Umbro kits during the 1966 and 1970 FIFA World Cups.
Template:Flagdeco Erima	1971–1980	Erima was a subsidiary of Adidas in the 1970s.
Template:Flagdeco Adidas	1980–2026	First Adidas jersey was worn in the UEFA Euro 1980 final.
Template:Flagdeco Nike	2027–2034

Kit deals

Kit supplier	Period	Contract		Notes
		Announcement	Duration
Template:Flagdeco Adidas	1954–2026	20 June 2016	2019–2022 (4 years)	Per year: €50 million ($56.7 million) Total: €250 million ($283.5 million)
		10 September 2018	2023–2026 (4 years)	Undisclosed
Template:Flagdeco Nike	2027–2034	21 March 2024	2027–2034 (8 years)	Per year: €100 million ($108 million)

Home stadium

File:Olympicstadium2.jpg

Olympic Stadium in Berlin

Germany plays its home matches among various stadiums, in rotation, around the country. They have played home matches in 43 different cities so far, including venues that were German at the time of the match, such as Vienna, Austria, which staged three games between 1938 and 1942.

National team matches have been held most often in Berlin (46 matches), which was the venue of Germany's first home match (in 1908 against England). Other common host cities include Hamburg (34 matches), Stuttgart (32), Hanover (28) and Dortmund. Munich also hosted noteworthy matches including the 1974 World Cup final.

Media coverage

As of January 2025, Germany's broadcasts for friendlies rotate between RTL, ARD and ZDF, while UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, UEFA Nations League games, and major tournaments are on ARD and ZDF.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last twelve months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

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Coaching staff

As of August 2025.

Position	Name
Head coach	Template:Flagicon Julian Nagelsmann
Assistant coaches	Template:Flagicon Mads Buttgereit Template:Flagicon Benjamin Glück
Goalkeeping coaches	Template:Flagicon Michael Fuchs Template:Flagicon Andreas Kronenberg
Fitness coach	Template:Flagicon Nicklas Dietrich
Athletic coach	Template:Flagicon Krunoslav Banovčić
Doctor	Template:Flagicon Tim Meyer
Sporting director	Template:Flagicon Rudi Völler

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia on 14 and 17 November 2025, respectively.

Information correct as of 17 November 2025, after the match against Slovakia.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Oliver Baumann		10	0	Template:Fbaicon/core TSG Hoffenheim
12	1GK	Alexander Nübel		2	0	Template:Fbaicon/core VfB Stuttgart
21	1GK	Finn Dahmen		0	0	Template:Fbaicon/core FC Augsburg
	1GK	Noah Atubolu		0	0	Template:Fbaicon/core SC Freiburg
2	2DF	Malick Thiaw		5	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Newcastle United
3	2DF	Waldemar Anton		12	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Borussia Dortmund
4	2DF	Jonathan Tah		43	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Bayern Munich
15	2DF	Nico Schlotterbeck		23	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Borussia Dortmund
18	2DF	Nathaniel Brown		2	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Eintracht Frankfurt
22	2DF	David Raum		34	1	Template:Fbaicon/core RB Leipzig
23	2DF	Ridle Baku		8	2	Template:Fbaicon/core RB Leipzig
5	3MF	Aleksandar Pavlović		9	1	Template:Fbaicon/core Bayern Munich
6	3MF	Joshua Kimmich (captain)		106	10	Template:Fbaicon/core Bayern Munich
7	3MF	Jamie Leweling		4	1	Template:Fbaicon/core VfB Stuttgart
8	3MF	Leon Goretzka		67	15	Template:Fbaicon/core Bayern Munich
9	3MF	Assan Ouédraogo		1	1	Template:Fbaicon/core RB Leipzig
13	3MF	Felix Nmecha		6	1	Template:Fbaicon/core Borussia Dortmund
14	3MF	Karim Adeyemi		11	1	Template:Fbaicon/core Borussia Dortmund
16	3MF	Kevin Schade		5	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Brentford
17	3MF	Florian Wirtz		37	8	Template:Fbaicon/core Liverpool
19	3MF	Leroy Sané		72	16	Template:Fbaicon/core Galatasaray
20	3MF	Serge Gnabry		57	25	Template:Fbaicon/core Bayern Munich
10	4FW	Jonathan Burkardt		5	0	Template:Fbaicon/core Eintracht Frankfurt
11	4FW	Nick Woltemade		8	4	Template:Fbaicon/core Newcastle United

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up for the team within the last twelve months.

Template:Nat fs r start Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player ^INJ Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break

• ^INJ Withdrew due to injury

|}

Individual records

Player records

As of 17 November 2025

Players in bold are still active with Germany.

This list does not include players who represented East Germany.

Most capped players

File:Lothar Matthaeus 2002.jpg

Lothar Matthäus is Germany's most capped player with 150 appearances.

Rank	Player	Caps	Goals	Period
1	Lothar Matthäus	150	23	1980–2000
2	Miroslav Klose	137	71	2001–2014
3	Thomas Müller	131	45	2010–2024
4	Lukas Podolski	130	49	2004–2017
5	Manuel Neuer	124	0	2009–2024
6	Bastian Schweinsteiger	121	24	2004–2016
7	Toni Kroos	114	17	2010–2024
8	Philipp Lahm	113	5	2004–2014
9	Jürgen Klinsmann	108	47	1987–1998
10	Joshua Kimmich	106	10	2016–present

Top goalscorers

File:Miroslav Klose 2014.jpg

Miroslav Klose is Germany's all-time top scorer with 71 goals.

Rank	Player	Goals	Caps	Average	Period
1	Miroslav Klose (list)	71	137	0.52	2001–2014
2	Gerd Müller (list)	68	62	1.1	1966–1974
3	Lukas Podolski	49	130	0.38	2004–2017
4	Rudi Völler	47	90	0.52	1982–1994
	Jürgen Klinsmann		108	0.44	1987–1998
6	Karl-Heinz Rummenigge	45	95	0.47	1976–1986
	Thomas Müller		131	0.34	2010–2024
8	Uwe Seeler	43	72	0.6	1954–1970
9	Michael Ballack	42	98	0.43	1999–2010
10	Oliver Bierhoff	37	70	0.53	1996–2002

Captains

Player	Period	Notes
Fritz Szepan	1934–1939
Paul Janes	1939–1942
Fritz Walter	1951–1956	First official captain of the West Germany national football team World Cup winning captain (1954)
Hans Schäfer	1952–1962	First West German player to play in three World Cup tournaments (1954, 1958, 1962)
Helmut Rahn	1958–1959
Herbert Erhardt	1959–1962
Hans Schäfer	1962
Uwe Seeler	1962–1970
Wolfgang Overath	1970–1972
Franz Beckenbauer	1972–1977	European Championship winning captain (1972) World Cup winning captain (1974)
Berti Vogts	1977–1978
Sepp Maier	1978–1979
Bernard Dietz	1979–1981	European Championship winning captain (1980)
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge	1981–1986
Harald Schumacher	1986
Klaus Allofs	1986–1987
Lothar Matthäus	1987–1995	World Cup winning captain (1990) First captain of the unified Germany national football team
Jürgen Klinsmann	1995–1998	European Championship winning captain (1996)
Oliver Bierhoff	1998–2001
Oliver Kahn	2001–2004
Michael Ballack	2004–2010
Philipp Lahm	2010–2014	World Cup winning captain (2014)
Bastian Schweinsteiger	2014–2016
Manuel Neuer	2016–2017, 2017–2023
Julian Draxler	2017	Confederations Cup winning captain (2017)
İlkay Gündoğan	2023–2024
Joshua Kimmich	2024–

Player of the Year

• 2010: Bastian Schweinsteiger
• 2011: Mesut Özil
• 2012: Mesut Özil
• 2013: Mesut Özil
• 2014: Toni Kroos
• 2015: Mesut Özil
• 2016: Mesut Özil
• 2017: Joshua Kimmich
• 2018: Marco Reus
• 2019: Matthias Ginter
• 2020: Manuel Neuer
• 2021: Joshua Kimmich
• 2022: Jamal Musiala
• 2023: Emre Can
• 2024: Jamal Musiala

Manager records

Most manager appearances

Joachim Löw: 198

Team records

15 consecutive wins in all competitive matches (world record)

Date	Opponent	Venue		Result	Type	Scorers
10 July 2010	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Uruguay	flag alias = Flag of Uruguay.svg	flag alias-1828 = Flag of Uruguay (1828-1830).svg	link alias-naval = National Navy of Uruguay	flag alias-army = Flag of Uruguayan Army.svg	National Army of Uruguay	link alias-air force = Uruguayan Air Force	flag alias-air force = Flag of the Uruguayan Air Force.svg	link alias-navy = National Navy of Uruguay	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Port Elizabeth, RSA	*	3–2	WC 2010 3rd place	Müller File:Soccerball shade.svg 19', Jansen File:Soccerball shade.svg 56', Khedira File:Soccerball shade.svg 82'
3 September 2010	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Belgium	flag alias = Flag of Belgium (civil).svg	flag alias-government = Government Ensign of Belgium.svg	flag alias-state = Flag of Belgium.svg	flag alias-1830 = Flag of Belgium (1830).svg	flag alias-1858 = Royal ensign of Belgium (1858).svg	flag alias-army = Flag of the Belgian Land Component.svg	link alias-army = Belgian Land Component	flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Belgium.svg	link alias-naval = Belgian Navy	flag alias-air force = Air Force Ensign of Belgium.svg	link alias-air force = Belgian Air Component	flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Belgium.svg	link alias-navy = Belgian Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Brussels, BEL	A	1–0	EC 2012 Qualification	Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 51'
7 September 2010	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Azerbaijan	flag alias = Flag of Azerbaijan.svg	flag alias-1918 = Flag of Azerbaijan 1918.svg	flag alias-1991 = Flag of Azerbaijan (1991–2013).svg	flag alias-naval = Naval Flag of Azerbaijan.svg	link alias-naval = Azerbaijani Navy	flag alias-army = Flag of Azerbaijani Land Forces.svg	link alias-army = Azerbaijani Land Forces	flag alias-air force = AzAF Flag of Azerbaijan.png	link alias-air force = Azerbaijani Air Force	flag alias-navy = Naval Flag of Azerbaijan.svg	link alias-navy = Azerbaijani Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Köln	H	6–1	EC 2012 Qualification	Westermann File:Soccerball shade.svg 28', Podolski File:Soccerball shade.svg 45+1', Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 45+2', 90+2', Sadygov File:Soccerball shade.svg 53' (o.g.), Badstuber File:Soccerball shade.svg 86'
8 October 2010	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Turkey	flag alias = Flag of Turkey.svg	link alias-naval = Turkish Naval Forces	link alias-navy = Turkish Navy	link alias-air force = Turkish Air Force	link alias-army = Turkish Land Forces	link alias-military = Turkish Armed Forces	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	altvar = football	variant = }}	Berlin	H	3–0	EC 2012 Qualification	Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 42', 87', Özil File:Soccerball shade.svg 79'
12 October 2010	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Kazakhstan	flag alias = Flag of Kazakhstan.svg	flag alias-1991 = Flag of the Kazakh SSR.svg	flag alias-1992 = Flag of Kazakhstan (1992).svg	flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Kazakhstan.svg	link alias-naval = Kazakh Naval Forces	flag alias-air force = Ensign of Kazakhstan Air Force.svg	link alias-air force = Kazakh Air Defense Forces	flag alias-army = Kazakhstan Armed Forces Flag.svg	link alias-army = Kazakh Ground Forces	flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Kazakhstan.svg	link alias-navy = Kazakh Naval Forces	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant =	var1 = 1991	var2 = 1992 }}	Astana, KAZ	A	3–0	EC 2012 Qualification	Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 48', Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 76', Podolski File:Soccerball shade.svg 85'
26 March 2011	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Kazakhstan	flag alias = Flag of Kazakhstan.svg	flag alias-1991 = Flag of the Kazakh SSR.svg	flag alias-1992 = Flag of Kazakhstan (1992).svg	flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Kazakhstan.svg	link alias-naval = Kazakh Naval Forces	flag alias-air force = Ensign of Kazakhstan Air Force.svg	link alias-air force = Kazakh Air Defense Forces	flag alias-army = Kazakhstan Armed Forces Flag.svg	link alias-army = Kazakh Ground Forces	flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Kazakhstan.svg	link alias-navy = Kazakh Naval Forces	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant =	var1 = 1991	var2 = 1992 }}	Kaiserslautern	H	4–0	EC 2012 Qualification	Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 3', 88', Müller File:Soccerball shade.svg 25', 43'
3 June 2011	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Austria	flag alias = Flag of Austria.svg	flag alias-empire = Flag of the Habsburg Monarchy.svg	flag alias-state = Flag of Austria (state).svg	flag alias-1230 = Flag of Austria (1230–1934).svg	flag alias-war = Austria-Hungary-flag-1869-1914-naval-1786-1869-merchant.svg	flag alias-1934 = State flag of Austria (1934–1938).svg	flag alias-1938 = Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg	flag alias-army = Flag of Austria (state).svg	flag alias-air force = Flag of Austria (state).svg	link alias-army = Austrian Land Forces	flag alias-naval = Flag of Austria (state).svg	link alias-naval = Austrian Navy	link alias-air force = Austrian Air Force	flag alias-navy = Flag of Austria (state).svg	link alias-navy = Austrian Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Vienna, AUT	A	2–1	EC 2012 Qualification	Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 44', 90'
7 June 2011	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Azerbaijan	flag alias = Flag of Azerbaijan.svg	flag alias-1918 = Flag of Azerbaijan 1918.svg	flag alias-1991 = Flag of Azerbaijan (1991–2013).svg	flag alias-naval = Naval Flag of Azerbaijan.svg	link alias-naval = Azerbaijani Navy	flag alias-army = Flag of Azerbaijani Land Forces.svg	link alias-army = Azerbaijani Land Forces	flag alias-air force = AzAF Flag of Azerbaijan.png	link alias-air force = Azerbaijani Air Force	flag alias-navy = Naval Flag of Azerbaijan.svg	link alias-navy = Azerbaijani Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Baku, AZE	A	3–1	EC 2012 Qualification	Özil File:Soccerball shade.svg 30', Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 41', Schürrle File:Soccerball shade.svg 90+3'
2 September 2011	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Austria	flag alias = Flag of Austria.svg	flag alias-empire = Flag of the Habsburg Monarchy.svg	flag alias-state = Flag of Austria (state).svg	flag alias-1230 = Flag of Austria (1230–1934).svg	flag alias-war = Austria-Hungary-flag-1869-1914-naval-1786-1869-merchant.svg	flag alias-1934 = State flag of Austria (1934–1938).svg	flag alias-1938 = Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg	flag alias-army = Flag of Austria (state).svg	flag alias-air force = Flag of Austria (state).svg	link alias-army = Austrian Land Forces	flag alias-naval = Flag of Austria (state).svg	link alias-naval = Austrian Navy	link alias-air force = Austrian Air Force	flag alias-navy = Flag of Austria (state).svg	link alias-navy = Austrian Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Gelsenkirchen	H	6–2	EC 2012 Qualification	Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 8', Özil File:Soccerball shade.svg 23', 47', Podolski File:Soccerball shade.svg 28', Schürrle File:Soccerball shade.svg 83', Götze File:Soccerball shade.svg 88'
7 October 2011	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Turkey	flag alias = Flag of Turkey.svg	link alias-naval = Turkish Naval Forces	link alias-navy = Turkish Navy	link alias-air force = Turkish Air Force	link alias-army = Turkish Land Forces	link alias-military = Turkish Armed Forces	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	altvar = football	variant = }}	Istanbul, TUR	A	3–1	EC 2012 Qualification	Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 35', Müller File:Soccerball shade.svg 66', Schweinsteiger File:Soccerball shade.svg 86' (pen.)
11 October 2011	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Belgium	flag alias = Flag of Belgium (civil).svg	flag alias-government = Government Ensign of Belgium.svg	flag alias-state = Flag of Belgium.svg	flag alias-1830 = Flag of Belgium (1830).svg	flag alias-1858 = Royal ensign of Belgium (1858).svg	flag alias-army = Flag of the Belgian Land Component.svg	link alias-army = Belgian Land Component	flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Belgium.svg	link alias-naval = Belgian Navy	flag alias-air force = Air Force Ensign of Belgium.svg	link alias-air force = Belgian Air Component	flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Belgium.svg	link alias-navy = Belgian Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Düsseldorf	H	3–1	EC 2012 Qualification	Özil File:Soccerball shade.svg 30', Schürrle File:Soccerball shade.svg 33', Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 48'
9 June 2012	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Portugal	flag alias = Flag of Portugal.svg	flag alias-1248 = PortugueseFlag1248.svg	flag alias-1385 = PortugueseFlag1385.svg	flag alias-1495 = Flag Portugal (1495).svg	flag alias-1578 = Flag Portugal (1578).svg	flag alias-1640 = Flag Portugal (1640).svg	flag alias-1707 = Flag Portugal (1707).svg	flag alias-1750 = Flag of Portugal (1750).svg	flag alias-1816 = Flag of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarves.svg	flag alias-1830 = Flag Portugal (1830).svg	flag alias-civil = Flag Portugal sea (1830).svg	flag alias-air force=Portugal Air force fin flash.svg	flag alias-army = Military flag of Portugal.svg	link alias-air force = Portuguese Air Force	link alias-army = Portuguese Army	link alias-naval = Portuguese Navy	flag alias-navy=Naval Jack of Portugal.svg	link alias-navy = Portuguese Navy	flag alias-marines=Naval Jack of Portugal.svg	link alias-marines=Portuguese Marine Corps	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Lviv, UKR	*	1–0	EC 2012 Group	Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 72'
13 June 2012	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Netherlands	flag alias = Flag of the Netherlands.svg	flag alias-prinsengeus = Naval Jack of the Netherlands.svg	flag alias-army =Flag of the Royal Netherlands Army.svg	flag alias-air force=Flag of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.svg	link alias-air force= Royal Netherlands Air Force	link alias-army= Royal Netherlands Army	flag alias-naval = Flag of the Netherlands.svg	link alias-naval = Royal Netherlands Navy	flag alias-navy = Naval Jack of the Netherlands.svg	link alias-navy=Royal Netherlands Navy	flag alias-marines = Naval Jack of the Netherlands.svg	link alias-marines = Netherlands Marine Corps	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Kharkiv, UKR	*	2–1	EC 2012 Group	Gómez File:Soccerball shade.svg 24', 38'
17 June 2012	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Denmark	flag alias = Flag of Denmark.svg	flag alias-state = Flag of Denmark (state).svg	border-state =	flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Denmark.svg	link alias-naval = Royal Danish Navy	link alias-army = Royal Danish Army	flag alias-army = Flag of Denmark (state).svg	link alias-air force = Royal Danish Air Force	flag alias-air force = Flag of Denmark (state).svg	flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Denmark.svg	link alias-navy = Royal Danish Navy	border-army =	border-air force =	border-naval =	border-navy =	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Lviv, UKR	*	2–1	EC 2012 Group	Podolski File:Soccerball shade.svg 19', Bender File:Soccerball shade.svg 80'
22 June 2012	{{ Template:Yesno	alias = Greece	flag alias = Flag of Greece.svg	flag alias-old = Flag of Greece (1822-1978).svg	flag alias-1970 = Flag of Greece (1970-1975).svg	flag alias-royal = State flag of Greece (1863–1924;1935–73).svg	flag alias-otto = Naval Royal Standard of Greece (1858-1862).svg	flag alias-army = Hellenic Army War Flag.svg	link alias-army = Hellenic Army	border-army=	flag alias-air force=Fin Flash of Greece.svg	link alias-air force=Hellenic Air Force	flag alias-royalnavy = Naval Ensign of Kingdom of Greece.svg	link alias-naval = Hellenic Navy	flag alias-navy = Flag of Greece.svg	link alias-navy = Hellenic Navy	link alias-military = Hellenic Armed Forces	link alias-royalnavy = Royal Hellenic Navy	size =	name =	altlink = national football team	variant = }}	Gdańsk, POL	*	4–2	EC 2012 Quarter final	Lahm File:Soccerball shade.svg 39', Khedira File:Soccerball shade.svg 61', Klose File:Soccerball shade.svg 68', Reus File:Soccerball shade.svg 74'

Competitive record

• 1930–1938 as Template:Flagdeco → Template:Flagdeco → {{safesubst: Template:Yesno

| alias = Germany | flag alias = Flag of Germany.svg | flag alias-1866 = Flag of the German Empire.svg | link alias-1866 = German Empire | flag alias-empire = Flag of the German Empire.svg | link alias-empire = German Empire | flag alias-1919 = Flag of Germany (3-2 aspect ratio).svg | link alias-1919 = Weimar Republic | flag alias-Weimar = Flag of Germany (3-2 aspect ratio).svg | link alias-Weimar = Weimar Republic | flag alias-1933 = Flag of Germany (1933-1935).svg | flag alias-1935 = Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg | link alias-1935 = Nazi Germany | flag alias-Nazi = Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg | link alias-Nazi = Nazi Germany | flag alias-1946 = Merchant flag of Germany (1946–1949).svg | border-1946 = | flag alias-1949 = Flag of Germany.svg | flag alias-EUA = German Olympic flag (1959-1968).svg | flag alias-gold = Flag of West Germany; Flag of Germany (1990–1996).svg | flag alias-state = Flag of Germany (state).svg | link alias-military = Bundeswehr | flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Germany.svg | border-naval = | link alias-naval = German Navy | flag alias-coast guard=German Federal Coast Guard racing stripe.svg | border-coast guard= | link alias-coast guard=German Federal Coast Guard | flag alias-army = Colour of Germany.svg | flag alias-air force =Flag of Germany (state).svg | link alias-air force = German Air Force | link alias-army = German Army | flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Germany.svg | link alias-navy = German Navy | border-navy = | border-army= | size = | name = | altlink = national football team | variant = 1935

}}

• 1950–1990 as {{ Template:Yesno

| alias = West Germany | flag alias = Flag of Germany.svg | flag alias-state = Flag of Germany (state).svg | flag alias-naval = Naval ensign of Germany.svg | link alias-naval = German Navy | flag alias-air force =Flag of Germany (state).svg | link alias-air force = German Air Force | flag alias-army = Colour of Germany.svg | link alias-army = German Army | flag alias-navy = Naval ensign of Germany.svg | link alias-navy = German Navy | border-naval = | border-navy = | link alias-football = Germany national football team | link alias-field hockey = Germany national field hockey team | link alias-tennis = Germany {{{mw}}} Cup team | link alias-basketball = Germany national basketball team | link alias-rugby union = Germany national rugby union team | size = | name = | altlink = national football team | altvar = football | variant =

}}

• 1994–present as {{safesubst: Template:Yesno

| alias = Germany | flag alias = Flag of Germany.svg | flag alias-1866 = Flag of the German Empire.svg | link alias-1866 = German Empire | flag alias-empire = Flag of the German Empire.svg | link alias-empire = German Empire | flag alias-1919 = Flag of Germany (3-2 aspect ratio).svg | link alias-1919 = Weimar Republic | flag alias-Weimar = Flag of Germany (3-2 aspect ratio).svg | link alias-Weimar = Weimar Republic | flag alias-1933 = Flag of Germany (1933-1935).svg | flag alias-1935 = Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg | link alias-1935 = Nazi Germany | flag alias-Nazi = Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg | link alias-Nazi = Nazi Germany | flag alias-1946 = Merchant flag of Germany (1946–1949).svg | border-1946 = | flag alias-1949 = Flag of Germany.svg | flag alias-EUA = German Olympic flag (1959-1968).svg | flag alias-gold = Flag of West Germany; Flag of Germany (1990–1996).svg | flag alias-state = Flag of Germany (state).svg | link alias-military = Bundeswehr | flag alias-naval = Naval Ensign of Germany.svg | border-naval = | link alias-naval = German Navy | flag alias-coast guard=German Federal Coast Guard racing stripe.svg | border-coast guard= | link alias-coast guard=German Federal Coast Guard | flag alias-army = Colour of Germany.svg | flag alias-air force =Flag of Germany (state).svg | link alias-air force = German Air Force | link alias-army = German Army | flag alias-navy = Naval Ensign of Germany.svg | link alias-navy = German Navy | border-navy = | border-army= | size = | name = | altlink = national football team | variant =

}}

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place  Template:Legend-inline Tournament played fully or partially on home soil  

Germany has won the FIFA World Cup four times, behind only Brazil's five. It has finished as runners-up four times. In terms of semi-final appearances, Germany leads with 13, two more than Brazil's 11, who have participated in every single tournament. From 1954 to 2014 (16 tournaments), Germany were one of the last eight teams, before being eliminated in the group stage in 2018. Germany has also qualified for every one of the 19 World Cups for which it has entered – it did not enter the inaugural competition in Uruguay in 1930 for economic reasons, and were banned from the 1950 World Cup as the DFB was reinstated as a FIFA member only two months after this tournament.

Germany has also won the European Championship three times, one less than Spain. France and Italy, with two titles each, are the only other multiple winners. Germany finished as runners-up three times. The Germans have qualified for every European Championship tournament except for the first European Championship they entered in 1968. For that tournament, Germany was in the only group of three teams and thus only played four qualifying games. The deciding game was a scoreless draw in Albania which gave Yugoslavia the edge, having won in their neighbour country. The team finished outside the top eight in only three occasions: group stage eliminations in 2000 and 2004 alongside a round of 16 exit in 2020. In the other editions Germany participated in, they reached at least the semi-finals nine times, an unparalleled record in Europe.

See also East Germany and Saarland for the results of these separate Germany teams, and Austria for the team that was merged into the Germany national team from 1938 to 1945.

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad
Template:Flagdeco 1992	Did not enterTemplate:Efn
Template:Flagdeco 1995	Did not qualify
Template:Flagdeco 1997	Did not enterTemplate:Efn
Template:Flagdeco 1999	Group stage	5th	3	1	0	2	2	6	Squad
Template:Flagdeco Template:Flagdeco 2001	Did not qualify
Template:Flagdeco 2003	Did not enterTemplate:Efn
Template:Flagdeco 2005	Third place	3rd	5	3	1	1	15	11	Squad
Template:Flagdeco 2009	Did not qualify
Template:Flagdeco 2013
Template:Flagdeco 2017	Champions	1st	5	4	1	0	12	5	Squad
Total	1 title	3/10	13	8	2	3	29	22	—

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League record
League phase / quarter-finals													Finals
Season	LG	Grp	Pos	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	P/R	RK		Year	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad	Pos
2018–19	A	1	3rd	4	0	2	2	3	7	Template:Same position	11th		Template:Flagicon 2019	Did not qualify
2020–21	A	4	2nd	6	2	3	1	10	13	Template:Same position	8th		Template:Flagicon 2021
2022–23	A	3	3rd	6	1	4	1	11	9	Template:Same position	10th		Template:Flagicon 2023
2024–25	A	3	1st	8	5	3	0	23	8	Template:Same position	2nd		Template:Flagicon 2025	2	0	0	2	1	4	Squad	4th
Total				24	8	12	4	47	37	Top 4			Total	2	0	0	2	1	4	—

*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Olympic Games

Summer Olympic Games record											Qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Campaign
Template:Flagicon 1900	Did not enter										Did not enter						—
Template:Flagicon 1904																	—
Template:Flagicon 1908																	—
Template:Flagicon 1912	First round	7th	3	1	0	2	18	8	Squad		Invited						—
Template:Flagicon 1920	Banned										Banned						—
Template:Flagicon 1924																	—
Template:Flagicon 1928	Quarter-finals	5th	2	1	0	1	5	4	Squad		Invited						—
Template:Flagicon 1936		6th	2	1	0	1	9	2	Squad		Qualified as hosts						—
Template:Flagicon 1948	Banned										Banned						—
Template:Flagicon 1952	Fourth place	4th	4	2	0	2	8	8	Squad		Invited						—
Template:Flagicon 1956Template:Efn	First round	9th	1	0	0	1	1	2	Squad		Automatic qualification						1956
Template:Flagicon 1960	Did not qualify										6	3	0	3	9	11	1960
Template:Flagicon 1964Template:Efn											2	1	0	1	2	4	1964
Template:Flagicon 1968											2	1	0	1	1	2	1968
Template:Flagicon 1972	Second round	5th	6	3	1	2	17	8	Squad		Qualified as hosts						1972
Template:Flagicon 1976	Did not qualify										2	0	1	1	2	3	1976
Template:Flagicon 1980	Did not enter										Did not enter						1980
Template:Flagicon 1984	Quarter-finals	5th	4	2	0	2	10	6	Squad		6	3	1	2	8	5	1984
Template:Flagicon 1988	Bronze medal	3rd	6	4	1	1	16	4	Squad		8	5	2	1	16	4	1988
Template:Flagicon 1992	Did not qualify										UEFA European Under-21 Championship						1992
Template:Flagicon 1996																	1996
Template:Flagicon 2000																	2000
Template:Flagicon 2004																	2004
Template:Flagicon 2008																	2008
Template:Flagicon 2012																	2012
Template:Flagicon 2016	Silver medal	2nd	6	3	3	0	22	6	Squad								2016
Template:Flagicon 2020	Group stage	9th	3	1	1	1	6	7	Squad								2020
Template:Flagicon 2024	Did not qualify																2024
Template:Flagicon 2028	To be determined										To be determined
Template:Flagicon 2032
Total	2 medals	10/28	37	18	6*	13	112	55	—		26	13	4	9	38	29	Total

*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

**Red border indicates tournament was held on home soil.

Honours

Global

• FIFA World Cup
  • Champions: 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
  • Runners-up: 1966, 1982, 1986, 2002
  • Third place: 1934, 1970, 2006, 2010
• Olympic Games
  • Bronze Medal: 1988¹
• FIFA Confederations Cup
  • Champions: 2017
  • Third place: 2005

Continental

• UEFA European Championship
  • Champions: 1972, 1980, 1996
  • Runners-up: 1976, 1992, 2008

Friendly

• U.S. Cup
  • Champions: 1993
• Swiss Centenary Tournament
  • Champions: 1995
• Four Nations Tournament
  • Third place: 1988
• Azteca 2000 Tournament
  • Third place: 1985

Awards

• FIFA Team of the Year: 1993, 2014, 2017
• Laureus World Sports Award for Team of the Year: 2015
• World Soccer World Team of the Year: 1990, 2014
• Gazzetta Sports World Team of the Year: 1980, 1990, 2014
• FIFA World Cup Fair Play Trophy: 1974
• FIFA Confederations Cup Fair Play Award: 2017
• German Sports Team of the Year: 1966, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1990, 1996, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014
• Silbernes Lorbeerblatt: 1954, 1972, 1974, 1980, 1990, 1996, 2014
• Bambi Award: 1986, 1996
• Deutscher Fernsehpreis: 2010
• Golden Hen: 2006, 2010, 2014

Summary

Competition	Template:Gold1	Template:Silver2	Template:Bronze3	Total
FIFA World Cup	4	4	4	12
FIFA Confederations Cup	1	0	1	2
UEFA European Championship	3	3	0	6
Total	8	7	5	20

Notes

1. The Germany Olympic football team participated, officially not recognized by FIFA in the senior team records. West Germany is the official predecessor of current Germany. All the results obtained by the East Germany national football team are officially excluded.

See also

• Germany national football team results
• Germany national football team manager
• Germany Olympic football team
• Germany national under-21 football team
• Germany national youth football team (includes U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-20 squads)
• Germany women's national football team
• East Germany national football team
• East Germany Olympic football team
• Germany–England
• Germany–France
• Germany–Italy
• Germany–Netherlands

External links

• GermanyTemplate:Cbignore at UEFA
• Germany at FIFA
• Matches results by RSSSF
• Most capped players by RSSSF
• Reports for all official matches by eu-football