Al-Manashif amidst the wind

The German national team’s exit from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32, after losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, reflects a broad crisis facing the team. This crisis includes a decline in performance and the loss of the prestige they built over decades. The tournament also saw the legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer announce his permanent retirement from international play, after a career spanning nearly two decades. What makes the defeat even more bitter is the team's declining level and the challenges involved in rebuilding it both technically and morally.