Group E saw Japan and Spain advance while Germany was eliminated in the group stage for a second consecutive World Cup, a rare feat for defending champions.
Key Facts
- Group matches played
- 23 November – 1 December 2022
- Teams in group
- Spain, Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
- Teams advancing
- Japan (1st), Spain (2nd)
- Japan's historic feat
- 3rd Asian team to win a World Cup group
- Germany consecutive eliminations
- 2nd straight group-stage exit
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Germany entered Group E as a team under pressure after their shocking group-stage exit as defending champions in 2018. Japan, Spain, and Costa Rica rounded out a highly competitive group with contrasting styles and ambitions heading into the tournament.
Group E matches were played from 23 November to 1 December 2022 in Qatar. Japan defeated both Germany and Spain, finishing top of the group, while Spain advanced in second place. Germany and Costa Rica were eliminated after failing to secure sufficient points across their three matches.
Japan became only the third Asian team to top a World Cup group, following South Korea and Japan in 2002. Germany's second consecutive group-stage elimination as a former defending champion matched Italy's record after 2006, marking a significant decline for one of football's historically dominant nations.