SOCCER: Germany's Wirtz eyes title and international recognition at World Cup

After a frustrating debut season at Liverpool, Florian Wirtz is looking to silence the doubters and lead Germany’s attack alongside Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz at the 2026 World Cup. Despite recent international struggles for the national team, the 23-year-old midfielder remains confidently focused on a single, ambitious goal: bringing the trophy home.

Karolos Grohmann / Reuters

June 1, 2026

SOCCER: Germany's Wirtz eyes title and international recognition at World Cup

Germany’s Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring their second goal with Felix Nmecha and Deniz Undav during the International Friendly match between Germany and Finland at MEWA Arena in Mainz, Germany, on May 31, 2026.

Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

BERLIN — Only two years ago, Florian Wirtz was completing a dream season with Bayer Leverkusen, winning an undefeated German league and Cup double while also reaching the Europa League final.

With Euro 2024 awaiting, the attacking midfielder was hailed as Germany's next big star, destined for success.

Fast forward to 2026, and the 23-year-old has just wrapped up what has been a frustrating first season at Liverpool following his 125-million-euro move last year. He had to endure a slow-burning period of adjustment and struggled to find his footing for months.

It took 16 Premier League matches before his first direct goal involvement for the club. He initially showed little of the creativity and pace that made him one of the most exciting prospects of his generation and a fan favorite back home. Wirtz netted just five times and delivered three assists in 33 Premier League matches, failing to live up to his hefty price tag.

While he gradually improved midway through the campaign, Germany fans are hoping this is the start of a rise in form that will peak at the World Cup in North America.

Success has eluded Wirtz on the international stage so far, with a quarterfinal spot at Euro 2024 in front of a home crowd marking his best record with Germany to date. As a 19-year-old, Wirtz was set for his first World Cup in 2022, but a cruciate ligament tear forced him to miss out. Germany subsequently suffered its second consecutive first-round exit at the tournament in Qatar, marking their worst record at the finals.

When it comes to this year's World Cup, however, Wirtz is very clear about his and the team's goals.

"We are a big nation, and we don't need to make ourselves small for anyone," he told reporters in March after his stunning double earned a 4-3 comeback win over Switzerland in a friendly. "It does not matter if we are favorites, if you reach the final... and this is our goal. Obviously, we want to reach the final and bring the trophy home. We don't have to hide from anyone, so I am positive."

Few in Germany share his optimism given the team's disappointing international record since their 2014 World Cup victory.

But if there is one source of hope, it is the Wirtz-led attacking trio that includes Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz. In a constantly changing starting 11 under coach Julian Nagelsmann, those three are arguably the only automatic starters.

Capable of dismantling any defense with his quick passing, speed, and lethal finishing, Wirtz will now need to lead by example if he is to leave his mark at the World Cup.

-Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters