Thomas Müller says German football elite is broken after early World Cup exit

Former German international Thomas Müller warned that the national team’s early elimination from the 2026 World Cup signaled a loss of world‑class status. He noted that Germany fell to underdogs Paraguay in the group stage, marking the third consecutive tournament where the side failed to progress beyond the early rounds.

Müller outlined four key questions for the German Football Association (DFB): whether there is honest awareness that the elite level has slipped, what can be learned from other nations regarding training and tactics, which playing style and player types should be developed, and how the squad can be reshaped in time for Euro 2028. He called for greater responsibility, expertise and the courage to implement necessary changes. Recent developments such as the resignation of head coach Julian Nagelsmann and the departure of DFB official Andreas Rettig were cited as part of a broader overhaul, with anticipation of a new era possibly led by Jürgen Klopp.