Nagelsmann admitted that the German national team is no longer among the world's top teams.
Germany once again left the World Cup in bitter disappointment. After a 1-1 draw against Paraguay, the four-time world champions lost on penalties and were eliminated early. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltermade, and Jonathan Tah all missed their penalties, concluding another disappointing tournament for German football.
For Julian Nagelsmann, this defeat was more than just a setback. The 38-year-old coach admitted that Germany is no longer among the elite of world football.
"If we get eliminated after the first stage, that's not enough for German football. This is the third time in a row we've been eliminated, so Germany is no longer among the top teams. I'm disappointed," Nagelsmann said after the match.
The 2026 World Cup was once seen as an opportunity for Germany to regain its former glory. After being eliminated in the group stage of two consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022, they had reached their first knockout stage in 12 years. But against a resilient Paraguay, Germany once again exposed their old problem: a lack of composure in crucial moments.
Since winning the 2014 World Cup, Germany has not won another knockout match at the world's biggest tournament. That statistic is significant enough to reflect the decline of a footballing nation once considered a benchmark for stability, discipline, and efficiency.
Nagelsmann's future was immediately called into question. He has managed the German national team since 2023 and has a contract until after Euro 2028. However, the wave of criticism is sure to intensify after this defeat.
However, the former Bayern Munich coach insisted he had no intention of resigning. “If the DFB wants me to continue, I will continue. I know many people want me to leave, but I’m not one to run away,” Nagelsmann said.
Germany needs more than a strong statement. After three consecutive disappointing World Cups, their problem is no longer just a loss, but their overall declining position.
