FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany Chancellor Merz says nation is "proud" despite Paraguay defeat
Berlin, June 30
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the national football team for its fighting spirit despite its elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32.
In a post on X, Merz said the team's performances throughout the tournament had inspired the country despite the heartbreaking exit.
"Even though the elimination hurts: What a game, @DFB_Team! With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup, you have thrilled our country. We are proud of you," the Chancellor wrote.
Paraguay scripted one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, defeating four-time champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the Round of 16.
Germany suffered their first-ever World Cup elimination via a penalty shootout, with a controversial VAR decision disallowing Jonathan Tah's extra-time winner proving decisive.
Paraguay advanced after holding their nerve in the shootout, while Germany missed three penalties. The match was also marked by VAR controversy after Germany had an extra-time goal by Jonathan Tah ruled out following a review for a foul in the build-up.
The defeat marked Germany's earliest exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Paraguay progressed to the Round of 16 after a memorable night defined by VAR controversy, defensive resilience and clinical finishing from the penalty spot.
It was also only their second defeat on penalties at a major international tournament, the first coming against Czechoslovakia in the 1976 UEFA European Championship final (5-3), as per OptaJoe.
The result also ranks among the biggest knockout upsets in modern World Cup history. Germany entered the tournament ranked 10th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Paraguay were 41st, a gap of 31 places.
Since 1994, only three World Cup knockout eliminations have featured a larger rankings disparity: Spain's defeat to Russia in 2018 (60 places), Italy's loss to South Korea in 2002 (34 places), and Spain's quarter-final exit to South Korea in 2002 (32 places).
— ANI
Reader Comments
VAR controversy strikes again! That disallowed goal for Tah - looked like a really harsh decision. But Paraguay played brilliantly, no doubt. Germany's penalty shootout record was always going to be tested eventually. Makes you appreciate how tough it is to win a World Cup knockout game, even for a powerhouse.
As a neutral observer from India, this is one of the biggest upsets I've ever seen in football. Paraguay ranked 41st beating Germany in a shootout? The VAR decision just adds to the drama. That said, Germany's mentality was weak in the shootout - three misses is criminal at this level. Merz is right to be proud of the fight, but they'll need to rethink their penalty strategy.
I have to say, the Chancellor's response is classy. In India, you rarely see our political leaders acknowledge sporting defeats with such grace. Usually it's either over-the-top celebrations or complete silence. Merz shows what good sportsmanship looks like - acknowledging the effort even when the result hurts. Paraguay deserve all the credit though, they held their nerve brilliantly.
Honestly? This is what makes football beautiful. These giant-killing moments. Germany dominated for so long, but one night in Berlin (well, technically wherever the match was), a 41st-ranked team rewrites history. Reminds me of when India beat Australia in Test cricket - rankings don't always tell the full story on the day. 🏆⚽
The rankings disparity part is really interesting. 31 places between these two teams. But let's be honest, Paraguay's defensive organization was outstanding. Germany had all the possession but couldn't break them
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