Germany crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32 after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay on Monday, June 29, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The loss marked another early exit for the four-time world champions, who had not advanced past the group stage since winning the trophy in 2014.
Kimmich Expresses Frustration
Captain Joshua Kimmich, 31, told reporters: “We messed it up.” The midfielder, who also endured Germany’s group-stage exit in 2022, reflected on the team’s fall from grace. “As a child, when you watched the national team during tournaments, it was always semifinals, finals, or world champions. There was always lots of success. You grew up with that, cheering them on,” he said, apologizing for failing to meet expectations. “All of us who were on the pitch should feel that, rather than looking to blame someone else. We blew it,” Kimmich added, according to dpa.
Nagelsmann Under Fire
Coach Julian Nagelsmann faces heavy criticism for his decisions, particularly recalling 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from international retirement just before the tournament. Neuer failed to justify his inclusion over Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann and was arguably at fault for Ecuador’s winning goal in the group stage. “I gave it my all,” Neuer said. Nagelsmann also started Deniz Undav for the first time against Paraguay, but the forward could not add to his three goals and two assists from substitute appearances. Nick Woltemade was only introduced as extra time loomed and was one of three players to miss in the penalty shootout.
False Hope and Schadenfreude
Nagelsmann had raised expectations by declaring Germany’s aim to win the title, but the team won only two of four matches—against debutant Curaçao and Ivory Coast—before losing to Ecuador and Paraguay. The defeat to Paraguay was considered a major shock; few German fans knew any Paraguayan players, and many had anticipated a Round of 16 clash with France. “You have to beat such a team,” Neuer said. “That’s a fact when you want to measure yourself against teams like France.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked online mockery by posting on X: “What a match, @DFB_Team! You thrilled our country with your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup. We’re proud of you.” Users quickly asked “which match” he was referring to, and the phrase began trending. FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wrote: “I honestly don’t know which was worse. The match or this analysis.”
Nagelsmann Vows to Stay
Despite the backlash, Nagelsmann has vowed to remain as coach, though he was criticized for prickly responses to questions after the game. Germany team director Rudi Völler said: “I’m still convinced that he’s probably the right one to continue. It’s not only up to me.”
