Nagelsmann: Anticipation growing for World Cup ahead of group draw

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said that he can feel "the anticipation is growing" for the 2026 World Cup ahead of the group stage draw on Friday.

"You can feel a thrilling sensation in your body, the anticipation is growing and we can get fully get involved in the preparations at all levels," he told dpa ahead of his trip to Washington for the draw.

Nagelsmann will travel on Thursday with German Football Federation (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf and sporting director Rudi Völler.

"The World Cup seemed a little further away – and not just geographically. With the draw, when we find out who our opponents are and where we'll be playing, it feels noticeably closer," Nagelsmann said.

The coach will remain in the United States after the draw to check some places for Germany's headquarters during the tournament, which will also have matches in Mexico and Canada.

"This tournament remains a logistical challenge – for us and for our fans, whose support we are very much looking forward to at the World Cup. We really appreciate how much they will be doing next year to be there," he said.

With a 6-0 win over Slovakia in their final qualifying match, Germany secured not only a direct ticket to the World Cup but also a place in pot 1 for the draw.

This is important because it means that Germany will not face the best ranked national teams in the world in the group stage.