Germany Faces Backlash After 2026 World Cup Knockout Exit to Paraguay

Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, were eliminated in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup following a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Paraguay, who are appearing in the tournament for the first time since 2010. This marks another disappointment for Germany, which has failed to advance past the knockout stage in every World Cup since their 2014 victory. The local media and former players sharply criticized the team’s performance and called for accountability.

Former German defender Mats Hummels, now a commentator, blamed the players for the ongoing failures, stating that despite multiple coaching changes, the results have not improved. He urged some players, including those in their early 30s who have already experienced five or six tournament disappointments, to take responsibility and retire from the national team. Hummels emphasized the need for serious managerial and professional consequences, noting that Germany has not had a strong tournament since 2016.

Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp supported Hummels’ assessment, describing the situation as a decade of continuous disappointment. Meanwhile, Germany’s current head coach Julian Nagelsmann faced criticism for his decision to field 24-year-old Nik Veltman in the penalty shootout despite the player’s limited tournament experience. Critics called the move unfair and damaging to the player, arguing it was an ill-advised gamble that contributed to the team’s exit.

The German football establishment is now under pressure to make tough decisions regarding player selection and coaching to reverse the downward trend that has plagued the national team since their last World Cup triumph.