‘It feels terrible’ – Joshua Kimmich admits Germany ‘completely deserved’ early World Cup exit after Paraguay defeat

Joshua Kimmich has taken full responsibility for Germany’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, admitting the four-time world champions fully deserved their shock elimination after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay.

The Bayern Munich star offered a brutally honest assessment of Germany’s performances, insisting neither the coaching staff nor external factors were to blame for another painful tournament exit.

Germany’s World Cup ends in heartbreak

Germany’s hopes of lifting a fifth World Cup came to an abrupt end in the round of 32 after they were beaten on penalties by Paraguay following 120 minutes of tense football.

The defeat marks another disappointing chapter for Julian Nagelsmann’s side after recent struggles at major tournaments, extending Germany’s wait for a return to the latter stages of the World Cup.

Speaking immediately after the match, Kimmich made no attempt to hide his frustration.

‘We deserved to be eliminated’

Rather than focusing solely on the penalty shootout, Kimmich reflected on Germany’s performances throughout the tournament, admitting the team consistently fell below the standards expected of them.

“It feels terrible and not good,” Kimmich said.

“We didn’t play at our best against any opponent. Three times we had major problems against non-world-class teams. That’s a fact.

“We were completely deserving of our elimination.”

Kimmich refuses to make excuses

The experienced midfielder also dismissed any attempt to shift responsibility elsewhere, insisting the players alone must accept the blame for Germany’s early exit.

He stressed that neither Nagelsmann, the media, the officials nor their opponents were responsible for the disappointing campaign.

“We’re playing here to make Germany proud,” Kimmich added.

“As a child, I always watched Germany reach the semi-finals and the final. We weren’t able to give that to the viewers at home.

“I think people in Germany need something to be proud of right now – unfortunately, that’s not the national team.

“We, the players on the field, messed it up, and we take responsibility for that. It wasn’t the coach’s fault, it wasn’t the media’s fault, it wasn’t the referee’s fault, it wasn’t the opponent’s fault.

“It was entirely our fault.”

Pressure grows after another disappointing tournament

Germany’s elimination is likely to intensify scrutiny on both the squad and the national team setup after another underwhelming showing on the biggest stage.

While questions will inevitably be asked of Nagelsmann’s future, Kimmich’s candid response made it clear the players believe they must shoulder the responsibility for failing to meet the expectations of one of international football’s most successful nations.