Germany ‘redefines weakness’ as Argentina show relentless spirit – says legend Sammer

Matthias Sammer has delivered a scathing assessment of Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign, accusing his country’s national team of lacking both a clear identity and the mental strength shown by champions Argentina.

The former Ballon d’Or winner and Borussia Dortmund icon contrasted Germany’s timid exit in the last 32 with Argentina’s resilience on their way to retaining the World Cup, arguing that the two sides are now worlds apart in mentality and style.

Speaking to Sky Sport Germany, Sammer said Germany had made a fundamental mistake in their approach to the tournament’s reigning champions.

“Argentina were the World Cup holders, and yet we allowed ourselves to underestimate this team,” he said.

Sammer, who played a key role in Germany’s Euro 1996 triumph, praised the character that continues to define the Albiceleste, even as he criticised some of their behaviour after the final against Spain.

“Argentina are one of those teams that never give up,” he added. “Of course, you cannot approve of the way they behaved after the final whistle (against Spain in the final), but that is part of who they are. I like their style of play more than what I’m seeing from the German national team at the moment.”

‘No technical or mental identity’

Sammer was particularly blunt in his evaluation of Germany, suggesting that the four-time world champions have lost the qualities that once made them a benchmark in international football.

“As for the German national team, I can no longer recognise anything in them – neither from a technical point of view nor a mental one,” he said. “They are giving us a new reason to redefine the meaning of impotence.”

His remarks reflect a growing sense of crisis around the national side following another early World Cup elimination and continued debate about tactical direction, player selection and psychological resilience.

Germany, who hosted and won the 2006 tournament’s third-place play-off and lifted the World Cup in 2014, have now endured a series of disappointing global campaigns, culminating in their latest exit in North America.

Penalty heartbreak against Paraguay

Germany’s 2026 World Cup journey came to an end in the round of 32, where they were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties.

The match finished 1-1 after normal time and extra time, before Paraguay prevailed in the shootout to send Germany home earlier than expected.

The nature of the defeat – a tight game decided from the spot – has only intensified scrutiny, with critics like Sammer focusing less on the manner of the exit and more on what they see as a broader erosion of identity and conviction within the squad.

While Argentina went on to defend their world title, overcoming Spain in a heated final that sparked controversy with their post-match conduct, Sammer’s comments underline how far he believes Germany have fallen behind the very best.

By highlighting Argentina’s refusal to surrender and Germany’s apparent fragility, the former Germany star has sharpened the debate over how the national team can recover both its footballing clarity and its psychological edge ahead of future major tournaments.