They have also reached the semi-finals on three occasions – finishing fourth in 1997 and third in 20. Germany’s best performance at a finals was at the first-ever edition of the tournament (then, the FIFA U-16 World Championship) when Germany FR finished as runners-up to Nigeria.
This equals the most appearances by a European nation, alongside Spain, who are also at the Indonesian tournament. Like New Zealand, Germany are playing at their 11th FIFA U-17 World Cup. In their first pool game, Germany beat Mexico 3-1, while New Zealand lost 3-0 to Venezuela.
Germany are the current European champions in this age group, having won the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in June, beating holders France 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out in the final. New Zealand’s next opponents at the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup, Germany, are among the favourites to win the tournament.
