German survey says public don't believe team can win World Cup

The vast majority of Germans do not expect the national team to win the upcoming World Cup, according to a poll released on Friday.

According to the ZDF political survey Politbarometer, only 15% believe the German team will triumph at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while 72% are doubtful.

After the team's group-stage exits at the two previous tournaments, 3% believe Germany will again be knocked out before the round of 16.

Some 15% expect an exit in the last-16 round, while 33% expect the team to reach the quarter-finals.

A further 15% believe Germany will go out in the semi-finals and 2% expect a defeat in the final on July 19.

The World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, with the knockout phase beginning with 32 teams for the first time.

The German squad led by head coach Julian Nagelsmann kicks off on June 14 against outsiders Curaçao.

Germany's other group-stage opponents are Ivory Coast and Ecuador. On Saturday, Germany has a World Cup warm-up match against co-host United States in Chicago.

The poll was conducted by the Mannheim-based research group Wahlen between June 1-3, with 1,274 people surveyed.