Kai Havertz was one of the key pieces of Germany during the 2026 World Cup, and despite his goals, the four-time world champions suffered an early exit during the Round of 32. Julian Nagelsmann isn’t planning to resign as head coach, but the name of Jurgen Klopp is already being linked to the Germany job.
Germany lost the Round of 32 penalty shootout against Paraguay, who enjoyed a fantastic performance from goalkeeper Orlando Gill, and are going home earlier than expected. Kai Havertz was devastated and left a heartbreaking quote after the elimination.
Postgame, Havertz said, “I’m speechless. My second World Cup, and we’ve messed up for the second time. The last few tournaments were a disaster.” And Havertz is right, since they won in 2014, Germany have been gone in two group stages, and now in the Round of 32. Not a great ending to Manuel Neuer’s World Cup career.
Germany’s expectations make this a huge soccer crisis
Manuel Neuer is also devastated about Germany’s exit. And for him, this is even worse. Neuer won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, and after that, he’s seen failure after failure occur.
Manuel Neuer of Germany in 2026 World Cup
Germany’s expectations are always to win the whole World Cup. They have four world titles, tied with Italy as the nations with the second-most titles in this competition.
Germany’s World Cup results in XXI Century
| Year | Host Nation | Stage Reached | Key Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | South Korea / Japan | Runners-up | Lost 0-2 to Brazil in the final |
| 2006 | Germany | Third Place | Defeated Portugal 3-1 in the 3rd place match |
| 2010 | South Africa | Third Place | Defeated Uruguay 3-2 in the 3rd place match |
| 2014 | Brazil | Champions | Won 1-0 against Argentina in the final |
| 2018 | Russia | Group Stage | Eliminated after finishing bottom of Group F |
| 2022 | Qatar | Group Stage | Eliminated on goal difference in Group E |
| 2026 | Canada / Mexico / USA | Round of 32 | Lost to Paraguay on penalty shootouts in the Round of 32 |
