Image Credits: Imago Images
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already served up its first major shock, and for German football, with Jurgen Klopp making a jibe at Arsenal in the aftermath.
Four-time world champions Germany have been sensationally eliminated in the Round of 32, beaten 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw at Boston’s Gillette Stadium
Making matters worse, it wasn’t just the penalty miss heartbreak that stings. It was a moment of VAR controversy that has left Germany furious.
With the scores level at 1-1 after Kai Havertz cancelled out Julio Enciso’s first-half opener, Germany thought they had done it in extra time.
In the 102nd minute, defender Jonathan Tah rose brilliantly at the back post to power home a header from a corner.
But the joy was short-lived. VAR intervened, summoning referee Jalal Jayed to the pitchside monitor, who ultimately ruled the goal out for a foul by Waldemar Anton on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Jurgen Klopp was on punditry duty for German broadcaster MagentaTV, and he was not holding back.
The former Liverpool manager used the controversy to fire a pointed jab at Premier League champions Arsenal, whose attacking play this season has relied heavily on set-piece goals from exactly this type of physical corner routine.
“If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won’t be English champions,” Klopp told MagentaTV. “They’ve scored 60% of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.”
Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz tried his best in the clash, assisting Havertz’ equaliser but was unable to carry his nation into the round of 16.
The silverlining for Liverpool is that he will be rested for pre-season and will be able to join up for the USA tour at an earlier date.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has asserted that he will not run away from the national team and has no plans to resign after the shock exit:
“I am not someone who runs away,” said the Germany head coach as quoted by the Guardian.
“This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed. But if the DFB wants me to continue I am going to continue. I know the mechanics of football, I know how the industry works. I know a lot of people will want me to leave but I would love to continue if the football association wants me to.”