Toni Kroos Critiques German National Team After World Cup Exit

Toni Kroos delivered a sharp critique of the German national football team following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16. The team suffered a defeat against Paraguay, concluding the match at 1-1 before losing 3-4 in a penalty shootout.

“Right now, we don’t have a single world-class player,” Kroos said on the show Kroos & Kroos: die WM unter der Lupe.

The former midfielder acknowledged the potential within the current squad but emphasized that potential alone does not equate to being top-tier players. He pointed out that it is the world-class athletes who are decisive in matches and lead goal-scoring charts at this World Cup.

“We don’t have a single one of those players; we need to be honest about that,” Kroos added.

Kroos reflected on comparisons between the current team and those from more successful eras, recalling a time when he felt confident in the national team’s ability to perform under pressure. He expressed concern that the current squad lacks that essential drive.

“This team simply can’t do that anymore. We just think we’re better than Paraguay and will somehow win,” he said.