Speaking about his future, J. Nagelsmann said: 'Germany no longer belongs to the elite of world football.'

2026-06-30 09:27 © scanpix

The German national team failed to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the third consecutive time.

On Tuesday night, the Germans fell to Paraguay in the round of 16 after a series of penalty kicks, ending their journey in the tournament.

After the match, German strategist Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that the Germans no longer belong to the elite of world football.

"Exiting in the first knockout stage does not meet Germany's standards. We will not play in the World Cup knockout stage for the third consecutive time, so I believe that Germany no longer belongs to the elite of world football. I am very disappointed,” Nagelsmann said after the match.

Indeed, the strategist stated that despite the failure, he is ready to continue working with the national team.

"If the German Football Association decides that they want to continue working with me, I am ready for that.

I know that most people want me to step down, but I would gladly continue working if the association wishes that. I am ready to present my arguments.”

If someone were to conduct a survey in Germany today, it is clear that there would not be many good words said about me. We did not achieve anything special in this tournament.

Still, I am not the kind of person who runs away from responsibilities,” Nagelsmann said.