[Official] World Cup Round of 32 set: 'Third team' confirmed; Germany advances to group stage for the first time in 12 years

*This content was translated by AI.

The 'Tank Army' Germany has confirmed its qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. It is the third team to secure a spot in the tournament's 32-team field, following Mexico and the United States.

Under the guidance of German head coach Julian Nagelsmann, the German national team secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Côte d'Ivoire in the Group E second match of the tournament, held at Toronto Stadium in Canada on the 21st (Korean time).

After conceding the opening goal to Frank Kessié (Al-Ahly) in the 30th minute of the first half, Germany saw substitute Dennis Undav (Stuttgart) equalize in the 23rd minute of the second half and then score the decisive winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, becoming a hero.

Earlier, in the Group E first match against Curaçao, Germany had dominated with seven goals in a 7-1 victory. With two consecutive group stage wins (six points), Germany has secured its place in the Round of 32 regardless of the outcome of its final group match.

Germany is the third team to qualify for the Round of 32 after just two group stage matches, following Mexico in Group A and the United States in Group D. As co-hosts, Mexico and the United States have already secured first place in their respective groups.

Germany, tied for second place with four World Cup titles, has advanced from the group stage for the first time in 12 years and only in its third consecutive tournament.

In the 2018 Russia World Cup, Germany was eliminated in the group stage after losing 0-2 to South Korea, led by coach Shin Tae-yong, in its final group match. It was a shocking exit for the 'defending champion.'

Subsequently, at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Germany failed to overcome a stunning first-round defeat to Japan and finished third in its group, losing on goal difference to Spain, missing the tournament knockout stage for the second consecutive time.

However, in this North American tournament, Germany has won both of its group stage matches and is preparing for the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years. While Germany's final group stage ranking has not yet been officially confirmed, it is highly likely to finish first. The Group E winner will face one of the third-place teams from Groups A, B, C, D, or F in the Round of 32.

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*This content was translated by AI.