The Paraguay national team pulled off one of the surprises of the 2026 World Cup by eliminating Germany in a penalty shootout. This historic win in Foxborough, Massachusetts, triggered intense internal criticism within the German camp. Uli Hoeneß, the former honorary president of Bayern Munich, launched a scathing attack on his own national team this week.
What did Uli Hoeneß say about Germany?
Uli Hoeneß did not hold back in his assessment of Germany's tournament performance. "I think our team’s performance was an absolute disaster. It was a disgrace for our country," the executive stated. Hoeneß explained that while he doesn't believe then-coach Julian Nagelsmann is solely to blame, the team lacked fight and commitment. "I’m not someone who advocates deliberately fouling opponents, but playing hard and throwing yourself into every challenge with everything you’ve got, right to the very end," he added.
For Hoeneß, the problem ran deeper than one person. He argued Germany did not have a team of outstanding quality and that their preparation was chaotic, trying new things repeatedly without settling on a solid group. He compared the situation to Argentina's, which despite not having an exceptional team on paper reached the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, losing to Spain. Argentina's campaign was surrounded by controversy over refereeing decisions, such as Lionel Messi not receiving a red card against Saudi Arabia and a disallowed goal for Egypt.
How did Germany's elimination against Paraguay happen?
The round of 16 match between Germany and Paraguay ended level after 90 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout. La Albirroja prevailed from the spot, securing their place in the quarter-finals and abruptly ending Germany's World Cup dream. This result contrasted with Germany's tournament start, where they thrashed Curaçao 7-1 in their first group match in Houston, Texas.
Following the elimination, the German Football Association (DFB) strongly urged Julian Nagelsmann to resign. His successor is the experienced Jürgen Klopp, former manager of Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Mainz. The loss to Paraguay marked a turning point that triggered these changes.
What is Paraguay's current situation?
Beyond the memory of that feat, La Albirroja is focused on its present. In their World Cup journey, Paraguay currently sits third in their group with 4 points from 3 games. Their record is one win, one draw, and one loss. You can check the full standings table on our standings page.
The team has scored 2 goals and conceded 4, giving them a -2 goal difference. Their last result was a 0-1 loss to France on July 4, 2026, in another knockout stage match. The team's recent form over the last five matches is one win, two draws, and two losses (LDDWL). To follow the detail of the team's numbers, visit our stats section.
What does this episode mean for the future?
Hoeneß's comments reflect the discontent generated in Germany by an early exit against a team considered less favored. For Paraguay, that victory remains a historic achievement that demonstrates their ability to compete against the powerhouses. The focus now is on the rebuilding of the German project with Klopp in charge and on the continuity of La Albirroja's work as they seek to consolidate. Fans can follow the evolution of the Paraguayan squad on our team page.
