Julian Nagelsmann admitted that the team's overall performance did not meet expectations, and the final result was extremely regrettable.

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, Germany lost to Paraguay 3-4 in a penalty shootout, failing to advance to the next round and exiting in the first knockout stage. After the match, head coach Julian Nagelsmann gave an interview, summarizing the regrettable defeat.

When asked about the team's loss to Paraguay, Julian Nagelsmann said, "Our overall performance was not up to par. Our ball movement and attacking pace from the back were slow, and our passing lacked fluidity. After conceding a goal, the team clearly lost its stability and failed to demonstrate the necessary control of the game. Although we created some chances against Paraguay's tight defense, we failed to convert them into goals."

"The whole team is very disappointed, and this result is extremely regrettable. I always believed that this is a team with a very strong sense of cohesion, and before the game started, we never thought that we would be eliminated today."

“I won’t blame any player for missing the penalty. Many world-class players have experienced similar moments. The penalty shootout is just the last part of the game. What really matters is that someone is willing to take responsibility and bravely step up to the penalty spot. Not everyone has that kind of courage. In fact, we had 120 minutes to win the game in other ways. When a team is eliminated from the competition, this experience is bound to be deeply etched in everyone’s heart.”

"I don't want to discuss so-called expectations. For the past 12 years, German football has consistently failed to achieve truly satisfactory results. Being eliminated in the first round of the knockout stage is obviously unacceptable, and such a result falls far short of the standards that German football should meet. If we still believe that we are one of the strongest teams in the world, that would be far too arrogant, because that is not the case."

"Our experiences in previous tournaments have always affected us, so we didn't come here with full confidence. In fact, we had the ability to go much further. We were looking forward to playing against France and testing ourselves again at the highest level."

Speaking about his future, Julian Nagelsmann said, "I will not leave because of setbacks. If the German Football Association wants me to continue coaching, I am willing to stay, even if the outside world does not necessarily support me to continue leading the team. If they think a change of head coach is necessary, they should tell me honestly. However, I believe that the three people in charge of making the decision will handle this matter seriously and responsibly, and will not make a hasty conclusion."

"Everyone knows my working style and my coaching philosophy. I understand how the football world works, and looking back at our performance in international competitions over the years, we can see that there are indeed some problems that need to be fundamentally improved."

Image source: Internet/German National Team official website