Following Hummels‘ announcement: Kimmich categorically rules out retiring from the DFB | OneFootball

Following the German national team’s surprising World Cup elimination at the hands of Paraguay, Mats Hummels has called for a no-holds-barred review. Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich took full responsibility for the team’s latest failure.

The German national team’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup continues to spark heated debate. Following the defeat in the round of 16 against Paraguay, former national team player Mats Hummels is now calling for personnel and structural changes at the DFB.

His criticism is directed not only at the team but also at national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Hummels calls for discussions about Nagelsmann

For Hummels, it’s not enough to simply put the tournament behind them. “It literally cries out for consequences for those in charge of the national team. I can’t put it any other way,” explained the former center back.

In his view, the team’s performance in recent tournaments must be critically examined. “We hosted the European Championship on home soil, the Nations League finals on home soil, and now this World Cup with an expanded field of participants. I remain convinced that our performance at the home European Championship is being viewed too leniently. The other two tournaments were simply disappointing.”

That’s why discussions about the future are inevitable. “It needs to be discussed—both with the national team coach himself and within the association. At the very least, discussions about it should take place. There’s no other way. Soccer is a results-driven sport.”

Experienced players also have a responsibility

Photo: IMAGO

Hummels does not, however, place the blame solely on the coach. In his view, the roster must also be critically scrutinized. “I can imagine that some of them will end their national team careers of their own accord.”

Furthermore, he believes further personnel changes are conceivable. “There are players over 30 who’ve already had four, five, or six tournaments to achieve success—or at least a good result—with the German national team, and who haven’t managed to do so. Perhaps consequences must be drawn for them as well.”

National team captain Joshua Kimmich struck a different tone after the elimination. The Bayern Munich pro categorically ruled out retirement. “I’ll always have the drive to try again. What I’ll never do is give up.”

At the same time, the 31-year-old expressed deep disappointment over the team’s latest failure. “The fact is, we weren’t able to give that to all the people back home. That’s a real, real shame. Especially at a time when I think it would do us in Germany a world of good to have something to be proud of. Unfortunately, the national team isn’t that right now.”

Kimmich was particularly clear when asked about responsibility. “We’re all responsible for this, and we have to take responsibility for it. No one can let themselves off the hook.”

The Bayern star made it unmistakably clear that the players themselves bear the main blame. “We have to own up to this. Because we, the players on the field, messed it up. It wasn’t the coach, it wasn’t the media, it wasn’t the referee. It was solely us.”