"There is a clear difference between being able to defeat someone and being difficult to defeat. That is why the German national team is not among the top contenders", Muller stated when asked about his home team's chances at the 2026 World Cup.

Muller was disappointed when Germany was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. *Photo: Reuters*

Muller pointed to a failed transition process since 2018 as the core issue. He believes Germany lacks players who have established themselves at clubs consistently reaching the Champions League semifinals or finals. "This process needs to continue for us to be among the top 3 World Cup contenders", Muller added.

Despite his assessment, the former Bayern forward urged German players to compete with the right attitude, approaching the tournament with a commitment to give their all to reach the final. He also expressed hope for the team to have the luck to win the title.

Germany last won the World Cup in 2014. At that time, German clubs consistently progressed deep into the Champions League. Bayern reached the final in 2012, became champions in 2013, and reached the semifinals in 2014. Dortmund also made it to the final in 2013.

However, German football has declined somewhat over the past three years. Except for 2024, when Dortmund reached the final and Bayern reached the semifinals, German clubs have consistently been eliminated before the Champions League semifinals. This year, Germany has only two clubs in the round of 16: Bayern, who will face Atalanta, and Leverkusen, who will play Arsenal. If they advance further, Bayern could potentially meet Real or Man City in the quarterfinals, or PSG, Chelsea, or Liverpool in the semifinals.

Historically, Germany has won four World Cups, in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014. Their record is only surpassed by Brazil, who have five titles.

For the 2026 World Cup, Germany is placed in Group E, alongside Curacao, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ecuador. The tournament features 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32.

Muller has represented Germany 131 times, scoring 45 goals from 2010 to 2024. He won a World Cup bronze medal with the team in 2010 and the title in 2014. However, Germany was eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022. He also reached the Euro semifinals in 2012 and 2016, the round of 16 in 2021, and the quarterfinals in 2024.

Thanh Quy (according to Bild)