Massachusetts, June 30 -- Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted that his team's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign fell well below expectations after their Round of 32 exit, saying the four-time champions could no longer consider themselves among football's elite following a third successive early elimination at the tournament.

Germany's campaign ended in disappointment after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay following a 1-1 draw after extra time, marking one of the biggest upsets of the competition.

Reflecting on the result, Nagelsmann, as quoted by ESPN, acknowledged the team's decline on the world stage.

"If you exit after the first stage, it's not enough for German football. This is now the third elimination in a row, so we a...