‘I can’t wait’: Florian Wirtz ready for his FIFA World Cup moment

Much to the delight of onlooking Germany fans, Florian Wirtz seems to be working his way back to his scintillating best just as the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws closer.

In the latest international window, this past March, the schemer produced a match-winning masterclass – bagging a brace of beauties and setting up his side’s two other goals – in the thrilling 4-3 triumph over Switzerland to once again underline why he is such a pivotal figure in coach Julian Nagelsmann’s plans. At club level, meanwhile, Wirtz has put some initial teething troubles behind him and begun to really hit his stride for Liverpool over the last few months.

Having been sidelined by injury during the last instalment of the FIFA World Cup, it is fair to say that the former Leverkusen star is chomping at the bit ahead of this year’s tournament. However, the 23-year-old played down the pressure on himself and Germany in a recent interview with FIFA, in which he also touched on his earliest World Cup memories and looked back at that game against the Swiss.

Question: Florian, was the recent Switzerland match your best display for Germany to date?
 

Florian Wirtz: It was certainly a great night at the office for me personally but, more importantly, it was a successful outing for the team overall. My brother had texted me before the game saying I was going to score twice. I replied “Sure”, but I didn’t really believe it, so it was amazing when it actually happened.

Question: This year’s World Cup is just around the corner. What does the competition mean to you?
 

Florian Wirtz: There’s nothing bigger than the World Cup: it’s what you fantasise about as a kid. If I get to play at this year’s event, which looks likely, it’ll be a childhood dream come true. I was in the picture ahead of the last World Cup and then I got injured. This year’s competition is coming at a good time for me because I feel really sharp. I can’t wait!

Question: Which edition of the World Cup is the first you can recall following?
 

Florian Wirtz: I think it was the 2010 tournament: at least, that’s the first World Cup I can remember properly. I watched the matches with friends or in among the crowds on the street. The World Cup is such a fantastic event: it brings together loads of different nations and there’s always a really cool atmosphere in Germany, with the whole country getting behind the national team.

Question: What are your memories of Germany’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2014?
 

Florian Wirtz: Back then, playing the game professionally was still a far-off prospect for me; I had no idea whether I was going to make it, so I enjoyed that run purely from a fan’s perspective. My entire family got together to watch the final. That team were incredible, especially their mentality. It was awe-inspiring how they performed in the final and got over the line. We’d obviously love to follow in their footsteps, but it’s easier said than done. I have so much respect for those players who went all the way in 2014.

Question: You’ll soon make your World Cup debut. How do you think that’ll feel?
 

Florian Wirtz: Honestly, I can’t say; I simply can’t imagine what it must feel like to line up at a World Cup. For now, I’m just raring to go and optimistic that we can give the German people something to cheer about. As for all the rest, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Question: What are your personal aims for the competition?
 

Florian Wirtz: Obviously, I’d love to fire us to the final and then to the title. However, above all, I want to lead by example with the way I play and spur my team-mates on. I hope to bring energy to the team, chip in with decisive contributions and help us go far.

Question: Germany normally head into tournaments with high expectations. How will you cope with that?
 

Florian Wirtz: It’s true that there’s typically a lot expected of Germany because we’re four-time world champions and have been a force to be reckoned with at so many tournaments. Things haven’t gone quite as well in recent years, though, so we’ll be out to buck that trend. I want to play my part in making that happen and, as I said, to lead the way and drive the team on. That said, we’ve got a lot of good players who will stand up to be counted, so I don’t feel any particular burden on my shoulders.

Question: Might it even work to your advantage that you’re not among the top favourites for the title?
 

Florian Wirtz: The biggest contenders are always under a lot of scrutiny. Given what’s happened over the last few years, we’re not necessarily in that group. We obviously want to go as far as possible and are setting our sights very high, but it’s true that it could be a positive that we won’t be under as much pressure; we’ll be able to play with a greater sense of freedom.

Question: Do you feel the team have answered Julian Nagelsmann’s calls for more intensity and a stronger mentality?

Florian Wirtz: The last few games were a step in the right direction. The Slovakia match was one of our best displays in some time. I was also really pleased with how we performed as a team against Switzerland. That gives me belief ahead of the upcoming matches.

Question: Nagelsmann has also spoken about how younger players being able to play with freedom, does that ring true with you?

Florian Wirtz: Absolutely. He always tries to get me into good positions, but he also gives me the licence to roam and trusts in my decision-making. One of my biggest strengths is finding pockets of space and creating danger by playing killer passes or taking on opponents. I strive to do just that, and the coach’s tips and advice are a big help.