Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his side are still trying to close the gap on the top teams in the world after their 2-0 Nations League defeat by France on Sunday but he was confident they are building something special.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise earned France the victory and third place in the Nations League. Nagelsmann saw improvement in his side from their 2-1 semi-final defeat by Portugal on Wednesday.
"If we perform like we did today and don't take a step back against the teams in the World Cup qualifiers, then hopefully, we'll march through and prepare well," he told reporters.
"Of course, we're still a few percentage points behind where we want to be, and behind the top teams in the world. We can't tear down the world in a year or two and make up for everything that may not have gone 100% right over several years.
"Nevertheless, I sense something in the whole group, both the players and the staff, something special. There's a special touch and a lot of potential still in waiting."
Germany, who last won the World Cup in 2014 and have been eliminated in the group stage in the past two editions, are in Group A of Europe's qualifiers for the 2026 tournament in North America.
They begin their campaign in September against Slovakia in Bratislava.
Fudge007
0
Füllkrug is not bad for Germany but Gnabry can go
better players are in the Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2
diwacdlnu
0
the squad sucks lol Fulkrug and Gnabry and the rest of the 30+ players on the team is dragging the team down dude...... STOP PICKING THEM!!!!!
Füllkrug is not bad for Germany but Gnabry can go
Fudge007
1
the squad sucks lol Fulkrug and Gnabry and the rest of the 30+ players on the team is dragging the team down dude...... STOP PICKING THEM!!!!!
cikacdlnuy
3
no they don't, you need to leave the team . You are not a coach, you are a child
vuaabdipu
0
a failure of a coach Germany is going nowhere with him at the helm they have zero chance at the World Cup in the USA they might even miss on it
Zewackopsy
3
nagglesman must understand until you keep adding finished bayern like Sane Gnabry and Goretzka this team won't move forward secondly go and find a good finisher and regular defender. to finish stop thinking only of bayern players all aren't suitable to wear that germany shirt
suzadlmpsy
3
I think this man should resign. it's embarrassing
Raithsjem
2
this team needs a finisher that can finish their chances like the match yesterday they created plenty of chances but couldn't finish any of them they are not a wc worthy squad yet but they might go far in the comp if this issues are fixed
Wiyikmtz
6
One of the most useless national teams alongside Italy and Belgium
Widbiltz
2
laughable excuse, until you destroy the team right
Whuligan
0
Something special to get KO from group stage?