Germany are out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a historic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32. Get reaction from Julian Nagelsmann, Manuel Neuer and more from Boston.
Julian Nagelsmann (head coach): “We just took too long to start playing down the wings. As the game went on, we tried to force the issue and created more in the penalty area. We were in control, but we lacked that cutting edge. It’s a joke that our goal was disallowed, but at the end of the day, you have to say that it simply wasn’t enough. I’m very disappointed because I feel we have a very cohesive team; the impression from training has always been good. No one is deliberately letting the side down. I feel sorry for all the fans in the stadium and at home. I’m ready, would love to prepare for the Euros and the Nations League. If I’m no longer wanted, then they’ll have to talk to me.”
Manuel Neuer: “The coach has had a few words to say to us. We’re all very sad. We didn’t have the bite or the bit of luck needed to win today. But we simply didn’t create enough chances. We lacked the means and the cutting edge. It might have been easier in the shootout if one or two of the players had built up more confidence from clear chances, either during the tournament or in today’s match. Paraguay missed twice – that really should have been enough to win here. But I’m more concerned about the match itself. We simply have to win against an opponent like that.”
Kai Havertz was one of the Germans to miss his penalty in the shootout. – IMAGO/Bahho Kara
“Disappointed and shocked”
Kai Havertz: “I don’t have much to say. I’m lost for words. My second World Cup, and we’ve blown it twice. The only thing I can say is I’m sorry. We’re all disappointed. We had big plans for this year. To let ourselves down again like this isn’t a nice feeling.”
Nadiem Amiri: “We’re very disappointed and shocked because we didn’t expect to be knocked out so early. It was an unfortunate match. Obviously our aim was clearly to progress. But that’s football – anyone can beat anyone. Congratulations to Paraguay.”
Germany fans have their say on elimination
Jonathan Tah: “I’m obviously disappointed, as we all are. It’s hard to explain, because I felt we’d given it our all. The goal we conceded was unnecessary and avoidable. In the end, we gave it our all. You can’t fault anyone’s determination today. It hurts to be knocked out of the World Cup like this. We’re all devastated.”