Germany's elimination in the group stage was their earliest World Cup exit since 1938, ending an 80-year streak of advancing past the first round.
Key Facts
- Group dates
- 17 to 27 June 2018
- Teams in group
- Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea
- Teams advancing
- Sweden and Mexico
- Germany's last group-stage exit
- 1938 FIFA World Cup
- Group stage first introduced
- 1950
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Germany entered Group F as defending World Cup champions but struggled against opponents including Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea. Their performances in the group stage were insufficient to secure the points needed to advance, reflecting a combination of tactical difficulties and strong opposition.
Group F of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was contested between Germany, Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea from 17 to 27 June 2018. Sweden and Mexico finished as the top two teams and advanced to the round of 16, while Germany and South Korea were eliminated.
Germany's exit was described as a shock worldwide, drawing extensive international media coverage. It marked the first time since 1938 that Germany failed to advance past the opening round, ending a streak that had persisted across the entire modern group-stage era, which began in 1950.