Analysis: Do Germany have a defensive problem at FIFA World Cup 2026?

Die Mannschaft have conceded in all of their World Cup games this year.

Germany faced Ecuador in their final Group E clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 25. Leroy Sane put the European side ahead in just the second minute, but the lead was cut down by Nilson Angulo, who scored in the ninth minute.

Interestingly, this was the fourth goal that Die Mannschaft had conceded in the group stage of the expanded 48-team edition in North America. Their inability to keep a clean sheet extends beyond the current edition, having conceded in all eight of their World Cup matches since the 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2014 final.

Germany’s leaky defence

The four-time champions began their World Cup campaign with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao. However, despite the big win, there was a tinge of regret from the German camp, having conceded against the smallest nation to ever qualify for the quadrennial tournament.

It was a poor goal to give away, too. Following Nico Schlotterbeck’s desperate tackle to win the ball, none of his teammates showed any urgency to clear the danger. As a result, Livano Comenencia had all the time in the world to pick his spot, which he did with lethal effectiveness.

Also Read: Nico Schlotterbeck RULED OUT of FIFA World Cup 2026 after injury during Germany vs Ivory Coast

In the next match, Die Mannschaft had to overcome a big scare against Ivory Coast. Franck Kessie put the Elephants ahead in the 30th minute. It was a brilliant move from the African side, with Yan Diomande going past the German backline with ease before finding an unmarked Kessie in the box.

A late cameo by Deniz Undav rescued a 2-1 win for the European giants, but their defensive issues were exposed. It was further exacerbated as Schlotterbeck had to come off with an ankle injury, leaving head coach Julian Nagelsmann short in defence.

Angulo’s goal was a prime example of poor defending. As La Tricolor broke forward, the German defence backed off too slowly, giving Angulo way too much time and space in front of the penalty area. The Sunderland player responded with a wonderful 22-yard strike that found the top corner.

Astonishingly, it was Ecuador’s first goal in the World Cup this year, and it had to come against the Germans. Die Mannschaft’s defensive frailties came back to haunt them later in the contest, as Gonzalo Plata scored in the 77th minute to put the South American side ahead.

Why are Germany conceding in all matches?

There is no one single reason that can be pinpointed as the cause of the leaky German defence.

Nagelsmann has stuck with Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, before the latter’s injury, as his preferred centre-back pair. While they are both brilliant defenders, they are often left exposed by the full-backs – Joshua Kimmich and Nathaniel Brown – who love making attacking runs.

Furthermore, the head coach made a big personnel change before the tournament. Oliver Baumann, who was the team’s No. 1 for the entirety of the qualifying campaign, was dropped in favour of 40-year-old Manuel Neuer, who came back from retirement.

It is entirely possible that Neuer and his backline have not built up the required coordination, as has been evident by the defensive lapses in the three group-stage games so far. Nagelsmann will be sweating to fix this before his side begin their Round of 32 campaign.

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