DFB Team: Matthäus Predicts World Cup Semi-Final Run

Lothar Matthäus expects the German national soccer team to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. In a betting game for “Sport Bild”, the record national player expects national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team to lose against European champions Spain in the round of the best four.

“Germany could be satisfied with their performance as things stand today, a semi-final would be a success,” said the 64-year-old. “But who knows: Maybe Wirtz, Musiala, Woltemade & Co. will conjure themselves into such a frenzy during the tournament that it will even continue. One thing is clear: as captain of the 1990 world champions, I would want nothing more than another World Cup victory.”

Matthäus: Spain becomes world champion

In the preliminary round of the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, Matthäus does not expect any major problems for the selection of the German Football Association. The tips: 7:0 against the big outsiders Curaçao, 2:1 against the Ivory Coast and 2:2 against Ecuador at the end of the group phase.

From his point of view, they then go to the semi-finals against Spain via Scotland (2:0), Norway (3:2 after extra time) and Morocco (2:1), where they end 2:3 after extra time, like in the quarter-finals of the 2024 European Championship. In the game for third place, Matthäus is betting on Germany winning 2-1 against Argentina.

“Of course such a betting game is a gimmick, nuances can make a difference in the knockout duels,” said the TV expert. “But I count my final participants England and Spain as the absolute favorites.” Matthäus expects Spain to win 2-1 against England and coach Thomas Tuchel in the final.

The World Cup takes place from June 11th to July 19th, with 48 teams and 104 games, it is the largest football World Cup in history.