Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann reacts during a pre-match interview ahead of the FIFA World Cup European qualifying match between Germany and Slovakia at Red Bull Arena. Jan Woitas/dpaGermany coach Julian Nagelsmann warned of Ecuador’s strengths, praised Ivory Coast, and also had kind words for the underdogs from Curaçao, but big concern after the 2026 World Cup draw was title favourites France.The three opponents in Group E were only the stepping stone and those who looked further ahead into the schedule saw a potential match-up with France in the last 16.”Unfortunately, in a tournament like this, at some point you’re going to face top teams on your way to success,” Nagelsmann said.He stressed that the French side are certainly not happy about playing Germany early in the tournament either. Coach Didier Deschamps “isn’t exactly clapping his hands when he plays against us,” Nagelsmann said.Nagelsmann loves such difficult prospects, but experience has taught him not to give too much space to speculation.”It’s important for us to take the first step before the second. We haven’t approached the last World Cups in such a way that we can always make firm plans,” he said.Therefore, first Curaçao (June 14), then Ivory Coast (June 20), and then Ecuador (June 25). Germany will find out exactly where and at what time later on Saturday when FIFA announces the schedule.