Nagelsmann Says Germany Is No Longer a "First Class" Team After Being Eliminated from the 2026 World Cup

Germany was eliminated in the 2026 World Cup 32-team round, losing on penalties to Paraguay (Instagram/@dfb_team).

JAKARTA - Julian Nagelsmann said Germany are no longer a "first class" team after being knocked out early again at the 2026 World Cup.

He added that he wants to remain as head coach of Die Mannschaft after the penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay.

After failing to get past the group stage in 2018 and 2022, Germany are playing in their first knockout round in 12 years.

However, after being held to a 1-1 draw by Paraguay until two extra-time rounds, Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah all failed to score from the penalty spot so that the four-time World Cup champions - who have never won a knockout round since lifting the trophy in 2014 - were eliminated early.

"If you are eliminated after the first round, it is not enough for German football. This is the third consecutive elimination, so we are no longer part of the first-class team. I am disappointed," said Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann has been leading the German National Team (National Team) since 2023 and has a contract until after Euro 2028.

The 38-year-old coach faced a number of questions about his future in the post-match press conference.

Although hinting that he knows some supporters want him to step down, the former Bayern Munich coach said he would not run away.

"If the DFB (German Football Association) wants me, I will continue. I know a lot of people want me to leave, but I want to continue if the DFB wants me. I will present my arguments to my superiors."

"If there is a survey today in Germany, people will definitely not talk about me in a positive way. We haven't done much during this tournament. I'm not a person who runs away," said Negelsmann.