Germany finished top of the 2026 World Cup despite losing 1-2 to Ecuador at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday.
The four-time champion defeated Curacao and Ivory Coast in their first two matches to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2014.
Who will Germany face in the round of 16?
With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams for this edition, the 12 teams finishing first and second in each group, as well as the top eight teams from those finishing third, will qualify for the Round of 32.
Germany finished first in Group E, meaning it will face a third-place finish from one of Groups A, B, C, D and F, according to the draw.
As it stands now, the following teams are third in groups A,B,C,D and F:
-
A – South Korea
-
B – Bosnia and Herzegovina
-
C – Scotland
-
D-Paraguay
-
F – Sweden
Germany’s opponent will only be decided after the last group match on June 26.
(All standings updated as of 3:40 AM IST, June 26, 2026)
Published on June 26, 2026
