Germany will not return to 'business as usual' following their shock exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the Round of 32, German Football Association (DFB) President Bernd Neuendorf has said, promising a thorough review of the team's performance. The four-time world champions were eliminated by Paraguay in a penalty shootout on Monday, marking their first-ever World Cup defeat on penalties.
Match details and controversial goal
The Round of 32 clash ended 1-1 after regulation time. Germany thought they had secured a place in the Round of 16 when Jonathan Tah scored from a corner in the 101st minute of extra time. However, referee Jalal Jayed disallowed the goal after a VAR review, ruling that Germany defender Waldemar Anton had impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up. The match then went to penalties, where Paraguay triumphed 5-3, continuing Germany's struggles at major tournaments since their 2014 World Cup victory.
DFB President's statement
"In the coming days, we will calmly examine the reasons why the team was unable to realise its potential and failed to meet both its own expectations and those of the German football community," Neuendorf said in a statement quoted by Reuters. "After such a crushing blow, we cannot and will not simply return to business as usual as we look toward the tasks ahead." Neuendorf, who has led the DFB since 2022, has now overseen two successive early World Cup exits and Germany's quarter-final elimination at Euro 2024 on home soil.
Impact and future outlook
Germany's early exit in the 2026 World Cup adds to growing concerns about the national team's direction. The DFB's review is expected to assess coaching, player selection, and tactical approaches. Neuendorf stressed that changes are necessary, though he did not specify what form they might take. The German football community now awaits the findings of the review, which will shape the team's strategy for upcoming international competitions.
