Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said his team only had themselves to blame after a shock 2026 FIFA World Cup exit in the Round of 32.
Germany were knocked out in a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of play. A disallowed extra-time header from Jonathan Tah following a VAR review sparked controversy, but Kimmich dismissed complaints about officiating.
“No one should even think about blaming the referee or the penalty shootout today,” he said. “If you cannot win over 120 minutes, you deserve to be eliminated.”
Germany’s exit marks a third straight World Cup without reaching the Round of 16.
Kimmich said the players failed to deliver when it mattered most.
“We messed it up because we could not beat the opponent,” he said. He called the defeat “awful.”
He added that responsibility lies with the squad, not outside factors.
While Germany went out, Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 after a 3-2 penalty shootout win over the Netherlands following a 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the final Dutch penalty from Crysencio Summerville. Ismael Saibari scored the winner.
The Netherlands led through Cody Gakpo in the 72nd minute. Morocco equalized through Issa Diop in stoppage time.
Fans in Morocco celebrated the win. Many expressed confidence the team can go further in the tournament.
Morocco will face Canada in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
