Müller: Germany are no favourites but will not flop like 2018, 2022

Thomas Müller, Germany's 2014 World Cup winner and now a Vancouver Whitecaps forward, has stated that Germany are not title favourites at the 2026 World Cup due to their still-developing squad, but insists they will avoid the early exits seen in 2018 and 2022. The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America kicks off on Thursday, with Germany opening their campaign against Curaçao in Group E on Sunday. Müller, who is travelling to North America ahead of the tournament, made the comments at a press conference on Monday, June 8, 2026.