“Bring Klopp!” / German media erupt after World Cup embarrassment

After the penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay in the Round of 16, Germany has been hit with strong criticism directed at coach Julian Nagelsmann, along with controversy over a disallowed goal in extra time.

Germany has faced a wave of backlash following its elimination from Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The defeat has triggered sharp reactions in public opinion and in German media, which have targeted the national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, as well as the decision to disallow a goal in extra time.

According to German media, the team’s performance was widely seen as disappointing. Bild wrote that “Germany is no longer Germany,” while *Kicker* described the tournament as “an indictment of German football and Nagelsmann,” calling the World Cup a disaster.

Other outlets also used harsh tones. Sports1 called the elimination a “fiasko,” while Der Spiegel argued that a team eliminated by such an opponent cannot claim to be among the world’s best. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) described the defeat as a summary of Germany’s entire poor campaign, while Süddeutsche Zeitung raised questions about the future of the team after another World Cup failure. Even ARD/Tagesschau reported on yet another major disappointment for the national team.

Bild: “Time for Klopp”

In its analysis, *Bild* argues that after this elimination, a debate should open about a change on the bench and suggests that Jürgen Klopp is the preferred candidate among a large section of fans.

Klopp, currently football director within the Red Bull group and present at matches as a commentator for MagentaTV, was asked whether he would take charge of the national team.

“This is not the right moment to talk about that,” he replied.

Klopp added that he understands why his name is mentioned in such situations, but stressed that the focus should remain on Germany’s elimination rather than his own professional future.

“I have a job that I really enjoy. Today Germany was eliminated and it is not the right time to talk about Jürgen Klopp’s future,” he said.

Nagelsmann: I want to continue

For his part, Julian Nagelsmann stated that he wishes to remain in charge.

“I want to continue. I am ready. In football you don’t have everything under your control. If the German Football Association wants to continue with me, I will be happy to prepare the team for the European Championship and the Nations League. If not, they need to tell me,” the coach said after the match.

Germany’s elimination has sparked a broad debate about the future of the national team and its technical leadership, while the decision to disallow a goal in extra time continues to fuel controversy in the sporting world.

“KORÇA BOOM”