Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said that his side can no longer be considered among the world’s leading football nations after their dramatic exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The four-time world champions were eliminated by Paraguay after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat following a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32.
The result extended Germany’s recent struggles at the World Cup, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022 before falling at the first knockout hurdle this time.
Speaking after the match, Nagelsmann admitted that the latest setback was painful and reflected a wider decline in Germany’s standing on the international stage.
“When you exit the World Cup after you play Paraguay, it is very bitter. It is very hurtful,” he told the BBC.
“This is the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams anymore,” he added.
Germany controlled much of the contest, enjoying around 75 per cent possession, but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Paraguay defence.
Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead before Kai Havertz equalised in the second half, sending the tie to extra time and eventually penalties.
The shootout ended in disappointment for Germany, who lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history.
The defeat has inevitably raised questions over Nagelsmann’s future, but the 38-year-old made clear that he intends to remain in charge if the German Football Association (DFB) continues to support him.
“I’m not going to step back only because we are eliminated,” he stated.
“If the DFB want me to continue, I am going to continue. I know how the industry works and a lot of people now want me to leave. I want to continue if the German FA wants me to,” he also stated.
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes the country’s difficulties go beyond one disappointing tournament.
He argued that changes in youth development have produced technically gifted players but have reduced some of the qualities that once made Germany one of the most feared teams in international football.
“For a long time, player development in Germany has been all about passing, style of play and being tactically innovative, but there’s one element that maybe we didn’t focus on enough, and that is having a bit of edge,” Hitzlsperger told BBC Sport.
“It doesn’t mean we just launch long balls, win headers and win ugly. But at the same time, we’ve lost that aura that made teams fear us. Other teams respect us, but they don’t fear us anymore. We’re no longer as difficult to beat, and we lack the physical presence we once had,” he added.
Former Germany defender Arne Friedrich also delivered a blunt assessment, saying the team’s elimination reflected their performances throughout the tournament. He described the exit as deserved overall and suggested Nagelsmann should now face increased scrutiny after another disappointing World Cup campaign.
Germany’s latest early departure is likely to intensify debate over the future direction of the national team as the DFB assesses the reasons behind a third consecutive underwhelming World Cup performance.
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