Germany’s elimination from the World Cup has triggered a fierce debate over Julian Nagelsmann’s future, with former captain Lothar Matthäus demanding the coach’s immediate dismissal. Nagelsmann, however, has stated he will not resign and hopes to honour his contract until after the 2028 European Championship.
The national team crashed out in the round of 32 following a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in Boston. The exit capped a disappointing campaign that included a 2-1 group-stage loss to Ecuador and marked Nagelsmann’s second tournament in charge, during which Germany have secured only one knockout victory.
Matthäus calls for change
Matthäus, speaking to Bild, argued that the display against Paraguay exposed fundamental flaws requiring a managerial change. “I believe that after this World Cup, we have to continue with a new coach,” he said. “This was simply too much.”
The 1990 World Cup winner described the performance as “subpar” and pointed to the earlier defeat against Ecuador as evidence of a worrying pattern. “A game like that can happen. But we played a catastrophe game against Ecuador already,” Matthäus noted. “When you look at everything as a whole: I’m not surprised that you can be eliminated against such a weak team. But I’m not sad because of the performance we showed.”
Nagelsmann defiant
Despite the criticism, the 36-year-old coach has publicly rejected the idea of stepping down. “I am not someone who runs away,” Nagelsmann said following the defeat. “If the DFB wants me to continue I am going to continue. I would love to continue if the football association wants me to.”
Nagelsmann confirmed he had already spoken with German FA (DFB) officials after the match, noting they had “talked to me gently” and “comforted me.” His contract runs until after Euro 2028, leaving the governing body with a complex decision over whether to back their manager or seek a fresh start.
Paraguay celebrate historic progress
While Germany contemplate their future, Paraguay savoured a famous victory. The result prompted the country’s president to declare Tuesday a national holiday. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his “26 warriors” as they secured a place in the last 16.
Paraguay will face either France or Sweden on 4 July in Philadelphia, with the match falling on American Independence Day at the venue where the Declaration of Independence was signed.