Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala has broken his silence following his team's shocking exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, admitting that the disappointment remains difficult to process. The four-time world champions were eliminated by Paraguay in the Round of 32 after losing 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Reflecting on the defeat in a social media post, the 23-year-old said Germany had expected much more from the tournament. Musiala admitted that even days after the elimination, he was still struggling to think about anything else. He said the painful result had been difficult to accept after the team entered the competition with hopes of making a deep run.
Musiala also thanked Germany's travelling supporters and fans around the world for their backing throughout the tournament. He said the atmosphere created by supporters in every stadium had been incredible, while the team had also received strong encouragement from fans back home. The midfielder admitted that letting those supporters down was one of the most painful aspects of the defeat.
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Germany's elimination came after a tense and dramatic knockout match. Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the 42nd minute before Kai Havertz equalised with a header seven minutes into the second half. Neither team could find another goal during regulation time, sending the match into extra time.
Germany thought they had scored the winner through Jonathan Tah, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review because of a foul in the build-up. In the penalty shootout, Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved attempts from Havertz and Nick Woltemade, while Tah also failed to convert his effort.
Paraguay remained composed from the penalty spot before Jose Canale converted the decisive sudden-death kick to secure a famous victory and a place in the Round of 16. Musiala said Germany must now recharge, learn from the disappointment and move forward, while again thanking supporters for the encouragement he and his teammates have received since the painful elimination.
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