Germany coach Nagelsmann meets DFB after World Cup exit

Germany's national soccer coach, Julian Nagelsmann, faced a crisis meeting with federation officials on Thursday, July 2, as his future hung in the balance following the team's shock elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four-time world champions were knocked out in the round of 32 on Monday, June 29, 2026, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay after a 1-1 draw at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

The defeat marked Germany's third consecutive early World Cup exit, following group-stage departures in 2018 and 2022, and represented the first time the nation has ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout. Nagelsmann, who at 38 became the youngest coach in a World Cup knockout match in 40 years, has faced intense criticism for the team's performance and his own management.

The coach acknowledged tactical failures in the aftermath. He stated that Germany's buildup play was too slow and that the team failed to settle the match before it reached penalties. After the loss, Nagelsmann offered a blunt assessment, saying that a team which cannot beat Paraguay over 120 minutes is deservedly eliminated and is not part of the world's first-class teams anymore.