Germany's World Cup knockout path and Bayern's Rashford dilemma

Knockout path mapped out – and it could get rough

Germany's tournament tree for the 2026 World Cup is taking shape, and finishing second in Group E could send you down a brutal path. If Julian Nagelsmann's side claim the group, you avoid the gauntlet. But slip to second, and the round of 32 likely pits Germany against a group winner – with France potentially waiting later in the knockout rounds, alongside Ecuador, Ivory Coast, or Curacao depending on how the bracket falls (1). The home crowd expects a deep run. The math is simple: win the group, stay in control.

Bayern want Rashford – but not at that price

Bayern Munich are ready to match Manchester United's £34.5 million valuation for Marcus Rashford. The problem? His £325,000-a-week wages. The club has no appetite to pay that salary, and it is now the biggest obstacle to any deal (2). PSV's Ismael Saibari and Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown are also on Bayern's radar, but Rashford is the marquee name – and the most complicated one.

Karl on learning from Olise, Kimmich and Kane

Young Bayern Munich talent Lennart Karl has opened up about the players he studies most at the club. Wide forward Michael Olise tops the list – similar spaces, same left foot, a composure Karl wants to absorb. But it is Joshua Kimmich and Harry Kane's off-pitch habits that really stick with him: the gym work, the daily routine, the relentless professionalism (3). The torn muscle fiber that ended Karl's World Cup dream could yet be a turning point – and he is using his time wisely.

Group E is set: Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Curacao

Germany's World Cup group is locked in. Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curacao stand between you and the knockout rounds (4). No group is easy at a World Cup, but this is one Germany should handle. The opener sets the tone.

Who carries this team? The debate is on

After the final tune-up matches, the conversation has turned to Germany's most important player heading into the tournament. Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer, Kai Havertz, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Aleksandar Pavlović are all named in the discussion (5). No consensus – but on home soil, someone will need to grab this team by the scruff of the neck.

Fan reactions

With Germany facing Curacao in Houston this weekend, one fan is asking the real question: how do you get a jersey signed at a World Cup match? The Reddit thread is full of tips – best bet seems to be posting up near the team hotel or catching players after training. The excitement is real, and the countdown is on. Join the discussion