Germany's performance at the 2026 World Cup has generated considerable debate as the team prepares for its round-of-32 match against Paraguay in Foxborough. Despite advancing as winners of Group E with victories over Curaçao and Ivory Coast, and a defeat against Ecuador, questions remain about the squad's cohesion and overall quality.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann fielded his strongest available lineup against Ecuador but was bested by a team that had struggled earlier in the group stage. The 1-0 loss raised concerns, not least due to a critical error by veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who allowed Ecuador’s winning goal after hesitating on his line. Neuer, 40, had made a controversial return to international duty after retiring following Euro 2024. His comeback came at the expense of Oliver Baumann, who had been Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper in Neuer’s absence.
Neuer’s form has been inconsistent. Although he delivered a standout performance in Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid earlier this year, his recent displays have drawn criticism. He has faced seven shots on target during the tournament, conceding four goals, and observers note a loss of the agility that once defined his play. The possibility of returning to Baumann, now 36, remains uncertain, with Nagelsmann unlikely to publicly acknowledge any goalkeeper change.
Meanwhile, Nagelsmann faces additional tactical challenges, including his management of promising winger Deniz Undav. Undav’s impact as a substitute—scoring the winner against Ivory Coast—has not yet translated into a starting role, prompting questions about selection decisions.
The mood within the German camp appears fractured. Following the defeat to Ecuador, Nagelsmann expressed frustration over his team’s disorganization, while team captain Joshua Kimmich offered a sharper critique, suggesting the opponents demonstrated greater desire to win. Kimmich’s comments highlight concerns about Germany’s perceived lack of mental toughness and intensity—traits associated with previous successful squads, notably the 2014 World Cup-winning side.
The comparison also underscores a shift in midfield leadership. Whereas that 2014 team benefitted from Bastian Schweinsteiger’s combative style, the current German midfield features technically skilled but less physically imposing players such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Kimmich, traditionally a right back for the national team but a central midfielder at Bayern Munich, may be considered for a more central role to provide balance and tenacity.
Looking ahead, Germany’s potential encounter with France in the round of 16 presents a significant hurdle. The French team boasts a formidable attack led by Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, and Germany’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited. An early exit would intensify scrutiny on Nagelsmann, who secured a contract extension through 2028 amid mixed results and perceived communication issues.
As Germany seeks to progress further in this tournament, fundamental questions about squad selection, player form, and tactical cohesion continue to challenge the team’s prospects on the world stage.