German players will not yet focus on the World Cup at the start of preparations, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Wednesday, saying a family atmosphere in their training camp is an important condition for success.
Germany, who face Curacao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E next month at the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, have their sights set on a fifth title after a shock first-round exit in the past two editions in 2018 and 2022.
The Germans have not reached the final of any major event since winning their last World Cup in 2014.
Most of the national team players arrived this week as the Germans launched their preparations on home soil ahead of their departure for the United States in early June.
«The next step is decisive, the next task is decisive. So the (friendly internationals) against Finland and then the United States,» Nagelsmann told a news conference.
«They (players) have to focus on what they can influence, not on what will happen in three weeks. So the game at the weekend is key.»
Germany have two friendlies in the coming weeks, with Finland hosting for four days, before taking on the United States in the final warm-up match on June 6.
«We want to use the friendly internationals to see a team that can also start the tournament. We will not replace ten players at half-time. It is about finding our rhythm now,» said Nagelsmann.
«We will be a family in the coming weeks, to have the trust of our neighbor, to discuss things openly. We will act as a family and do everything for the other as a good family.»
Nagelsmann, who took over in 2023, will be in charge of his first World Cup. In his only previous major tournament, his team reached the last eight at the 2024 European Championship on home soil.
For German national team director Rudi Voeller, who will participate in his fifth World Cup as a player, coach or official, developing team spirit ahead of the tournament is crucial and he said Nagelsmann was doing a good job.
«He has created a great team spirit. Despite all the qualities we have, you have to have a team spirit. It is fundamental,» Voeller said. (
Published on May 27, 2026
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