Germany’s World Cup exit triggers Merz backlash and Nagelsmann reckoning after Paraguay defeat

Germany stunned by Paraguay

Germany’s World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 with a 4‑5 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in Foxborough. A Jonathan Tah goal that would have made it 2‑1 was disallowed, and the German attack managed only six shots on target in 120 minutes. The elimination is the latest early tournament exit for a team still struggling to find an identity.

Even if the elimination hurts: What a game! With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup you have thrilled our country. We are proud of you.

Merz’s tone‑deaf post

Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the team on X moments after the defeat, triggering ridicule and outrage across the political spectrum. FDP politician Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wrote that she did not know “what was worse: the match or this analysis.” BSW’s Sevim Dagdelen called it “a loss of reality at chancellor level.” The chancellery later told media the post was a staff error, a wrong button pressed at the wrong time, while Merz defended the sentiment in a follow-up message.

I really don’t know what was worse: the game or this analysis.

Nagelsmann under fire

Former national players delivered scathing verdicts on coach Julian Nagelsmann. ARD pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger said Nagelsmann lacked the life experience and authority required for the role, arguing he failed to radiate composure and created unnecessary problems before the tournament. Bastian Schweinsteiger called the exit “deserved,” while Mats Hummels said “Germany currently plays no role in football.” Lothar Matthäus pointed to too many off‑pitch distractions. Nagelsmann ruled out resigning, insisting he would continue if the federation wanted him.

He is a great coach, a proven expert — but as national team coach he may have too little life experience. He does not radiate the necessary sovereignty.

DFB promises review

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said the federation could not return to business as usual and would analyse why the team failed to live up to its potential. An initial meeting with Nagelsmann, Rudi Völler and Andreas Rettig has taken place, with further talks planned in the coming days. No snap decision is expected, a process that reminded Hitzlsperger of the slow post‑mortem after the 2018 group‑stage debacle.

After such a tournament we cannot just return to the daily routine. We have to talk about what the reasons were for this renewed early exit at a World Cup, which moves us all deeply.

Fans search for consolation

German fans took to Google with frustration and curiosity. Top outliers included “where can you file a complaint against FIFA referees” and “can a referee decision be reversed,” as well as “how tall is Paraguay’s goalkeeper”, Orlando Gill, at 1.99 metres, was one of the standout performers. Queries for holidays in Paraguay surged 800 percent within twelve hours, turning the country that knocked Germany out into a sudden travel trend.