Germany’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup has provoked strong reactions across the country’s media, drawing criticism of the national team’s performance and its coach, Julian Nagelsmann. The four-time champions were eliminated in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout loss to Paraguay on Monday, ending their campaign sooner than expected.
Following the defeat, Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to his official X account to express support for the team, praising their commitment and team spirit despite the painful result. “Even though the elimination hurts: What a game, @DFB_Team! With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup, you have thrilled our country. We are proud of you,” he wrote.
However, several prominent commentators and columnists responded critically to the exit and the Chancellor’s statement. Marion Horn described Merz’s message as a “disaster” and “devastating,” arguing that the defeat reflected broader issues not only in football but in the country’s overall state. She linked the poor performance and internal problems within the team—citing reports about players’ off-field disputes—to wider concerns about Germany’s economic decline, referring to ongoing bankruptcies and de-industrialisation. “German football is now living solely off its past reputation,” Horn wrote, adding a sentiment shared by many: “I’m not proud. I’m angry. I’m disappointed. I’m furious! Our children only know Germany as a loser!”
Ulf Poschardt, a columnist for Die Welt, echoed similar views in a piece titled “Only a successful Germany is worth living in.” He criticized the Chancellor for congratulating what he termed a “miserable team” and expressed frustration with the nation’s footballing decline.
Specialist football outlets also voiced strong disapproval. Kicker referred to the result as “a damning indictment of German football—and Nagelsmann.” Oliver Hartmann, Kicker’s chief reporter, described the national team as “the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far” and accused Nagelsmann of failing to effectively utilise and develop the team’s potential. Meanwhile, Claudio Catuogno of Suddeutsche Zeitung published a commentary urging change, with a headline stating: “Someone should tell Julian Nagelsmann: This can’t go on.”
The criticism highlights a growing debate in Germany about the future of its football team and leadership, as well as deeper reflections on national identity and expectations. The disappointment over the World Cup exit has prompted calls for significant reassessment within the German Football Association and among political figures following a campaign that fell short of the nation's historic standards.