Julia Klöckner faces backlash after praising DFB following World Cup exit

Bundestagspräsidentin Julia Klöckner posted on Instagram after Germany’s defeat to Paraguay in the World Cup, thanking the national team and describing the exit as “unverdient” (unearned). The short message read, “Danke, liebes DFB-Team … Der heutige Abend hat mit dem unverdienten Ausscheiden traurig geendet. Dennoch: Dankeschön für Euren Einsatz!”

The post quickly attracted hundreds of critical comments. Users questioned whether Klöckner had even watched the match, called the wording naïve, and compared the praise to political spin. Some labeled the team’s performance “miserabel” and argued the loss was deserved, while others suggested the politician was trying to “schöngeredet” (whitewash) the situation. The reaction mirrored earlier criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s similar comment.

Klöckner has not responded to the criticism, and the episode highlights the scrutiny German politicians face when commenting on popular sports events.