German supporters likely woke on Tuesday feeling a deep sense of embarrassment after the defeat to Paraguay in Boston.
Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany have crashed out at the group stage twice — in 2018 and 2022 — and were eliminated in their first knockout game of the 2026 tournament.
At home, the sport is thriving. Bundesliga grounds are full, and even third-division matches draw tens of thousands each weekend. Yet this traditional powerhouse risks slipping on the international scene. Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Bayern Munich’s emerging talent Lennart Karl offer excitement, but Germany currently lacks a broad base of elite players.
After a 1998 World Cup quarter-final exit and a disastrous Euro 2000 group-stage elimination, the German FA overhauled youth development and coaching education across the country.
Whether the federation can once again deliver sweeping reforms remains uncertain.
Deep structural change will take time, but a change of head coach could be made quickly.
In the wake of Monday’s loss, Nagelsmann dismissed suggestions he should step down.
Captain Joshua Kimmich expressed hope Nagelsmann stays on, arguing the players were responsible for the humiliation of this World Cup campaign.
Kimmich acknowledged the team failed to deliver what supporters back home deserved.
He added that, at a time when Germany could have used something to take pride in, the national side did not provide it.
It’s admirable that Kimmich and others are taking responsibility for the early exit, but the coach also oversaw this disappointing campaign.
Nagelsmann brought back 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer — a contentious call given some shaky moments — deployed Kimmich at right-back instead of his usual midfield role, and leaned on older hands such as Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka.
His contract, extended in early 2025, runs through Euro 2028. Dismissing a highly paid manager would be costly for the German FA, but it may be the only way to signal a fresh start.