The international media has been harsh in its criticism of the German national team following its third consecutive World Cup failure. The DFB team, after disappointing performances in 2018 and 2022, has once again been eliminated before the round of 16 in a World Cup final tournament. In Boston, a true drama unfolded in the round of 32 against Paraguay. Kai Havertz managed to equalize the first-half deficit, and Jonathan Tah’s header in extra time seemed to secure a 2-1 lead. However, the goal was controversially disallowed by VAR for an alleged foul by Waldemar Anton.
In the penalty shootout, Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Tah faltered under pressure. While the South Americans missed two match-winning opportunities, and Neuer saved one penalty, he was ultimately powerless against the decisive shot.
ENGLAND
Daily Mail: ‘The biggest surprise of the tournament so far.’
The Guardian: ‘Naturally, the spotlight falls on Germany, which has lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time, but Paraguay’s game plan was flawless. This is one of the biggest moments in the country’s history.’
FRANCE
L’Équipe: ‘It is the biggest surprise of the tournament to date. Although the Paraguayans were outplayed in possession throughout the match, they fought tenaciously to thwart Germany’s plans. They survived extra time with great difficulty and reached the penalty shootout. There, Germany is punished for its fruitless dominance.’
Le Dauphiné: ‘Paraguay pulls off a sensation and knocks out Germany. The Germans disappoint for the third World Cup in a row, while Paraguay wins its first knockout match. What an earthquake in Boston!’
SWITZERLAND
Blick: ‘Out, out, out, out, the World Cup is over – at least for the 2014 champions. Germany experiences one of the bitterest hours in its football history in Boston. And this against an opponent that was previously considered third-rate. The exit comes precisely in the penalty shootout, which had previously been Germany’s signature discipline at World Cups. From a German perspective, it should not have come to this at all.’
Tages-Anzeiger: ‘Germany fails in the penalty shootout – and disputes with VAR: Paraguay digs in its heels against Germany to reach the penalty shootout – and wins it because German nerves flutter. The video referee is a talking point.’
ITALY
Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘Flop Germania! The Germans did show a slight improvement compared to 2018 and 2022, but could not meet expectations.’
Tuttosport: ‘The first major surprise of the 2026 World Cup is Germany’s elimination.’
Corriere dello Sport: ‘Sensational: Germany is eliminated in a penalty shootout, Paraguay achieves the feat and advances to the round of 16.’
SPAIN
Marca: ‘Nothing is left of Germany. Not even in the penalty shootout. The German team must wait another four years to add another star to its crest.’
Sport: ‘Paraguay causes the first major surprise of the World Cup by defeating a dejected German team in a penalty shootout.’