Another World Cup, another moment of unwanted history for Germany. Even though this Germany team got out of the group unlike in Qatar and Russia, the disappointment of this exit in the USA, Canada and Mexico sits just as deep. For the first time in their history, Germany lost a World Cup game on penalties. For the second time in a week, Germany played the game their opponents wanted rather than taking control themselves. And, for the third straight World Cup, Germany failed to meet expectations.

“Only thing I can say is I’m sorry. To disappoint again is not a nice feeling,” Kai Havertz, who missed one of Germany’s penalties, told public broadcaster ZDF afterwards. “We tried to [attack via] the flanks, but unfortunately it didn’t really work out. And I don’t think we deserved to win this time.”

“Even though the elimination hurts: What a game,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on social media. “With your dedication and team spirit at this World Cup, you’ve inspired our country. We’re proud of you.”

From its diversity to its team spirit, there are indeed many inspirational sources in this current Germany team. Sadly, when they needed an inspirational performance, they couldn’t find one.

Ecuador loss a factor

Beforehand, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann said his team needed to adapt a “scumbag mentality” in order to progress. There was little of that tenacity on offer from Germany. This was a side that looked tentative for too long and indecisive when it mattered. Despite coming back from a goal down in normal time, and denying Paraguay the winning penalty twice, Germany were unable to win. It turns out a lot more was lost in New York New Jersey than just the game against Ecuador.

The momentum that Germany lost with that defeat hung over their heads in Boston just four days later. Despite Deniz Undav starting, Julian Nagelsmann’s side looked ponderous. Over half an hour in, Germany had completed seven times as many passes as their opponents. Paraguay were asking, perhaps even daring Germany to break them down. Germany couldn’t find a way.

Paraguay did, with their first real foray forward. A recycled corner led to an unmarked Julio Enciso, just 168 centimeters (5 feet, 5 inches) tall, heading home from near the penalty spot. It was a poor look for Germany’s defense, but also an indictment on the harmlessness of Germany’s attack.

Germany were huffing and puffing, again, but not really finding the answers. For the third straight game in this tournament, Germany needed something to spark them into life. This time, it was the tactical change to cross the ball more that brought the equalizer. Kai Havertz’s glancing header was enough to claw Germany back. Initially, it felt like the moment the game would change and Germany would earn a gritty, ugly 2-1 win.

However, like Germany at World Cups of late, the equalizer proved to be a false dawn. So too was Jonathan Tah’s disallowed goal in extra time. The defender’s header was ruled out for a foul in the build-up in a decision Nagelsmann called “scandalous.” He also admitted though, that Germany should have decided the game beforehand.

They didn’t. And so, when Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade missed in the shootout, Germany’s tournament looked like it was done. The door opened for one final twist though, when Antonio Sanabria fired wide, Paraguay’s victory in his hands. When Neuer denied Fabian Balbuena with a strong save, Germany looked like they really might have leapt from the jaws of defeat. But Tah, playing in his first World Cup, blazed the first penalty in sudden death over, and Jose Canale sealed Paraguay’s win at the third time of asking. Fittingly for this team of false dawns and slow starts, their defeat came by a thousand cuts rather than one swift blow.

The fallout

Losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time — how did Germany let it come to this? Much will be asked after an exit like this. For Neuer, his return offered little more than a few records. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich’s international career is now littered with disappointments. At 31 years old, it is fair to wonder whether he will even be at Euro 2028. Antonio Rüdiger (33), Leon Goretzka (31) and Leroy Sane (30) are likely not coming back. Significant change lies ahead.

More importantly, what of Julian Nagelsmann? His contract, after a surprising extension in early 2025, runs until 2028.

“I’m here to work and if the DFB decides otherwise then they should tell me,” Nagelsmann said afterwards. “I’m not the type of person who runs away.”

This Germany team though, are running right out of this World Cup as the country confirms its place outside of football’s elite. Another introspective analysis of the health of the beautiful game in Germany will follow. Fingers will be pointed. Questions will be asked. And so begins another long road to trying to restore this football nation to the top table.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

The Jalen Duren sweepstakes are heating up ahead of free agency opening on Tuesday (6 p.m. ET). Chris Haynes reported that Duren, who is a restricted free agent, is planning to meet with the Sacramento Kings when free agency officially opens. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported shortly after that Duren has a call scheduled with the Lakers when free agency opens.

Duren, 22, is eligible for a five-year, $287 million extension (30% of the cap) from the Pistons if he re-signs with the franchise after earning All-NBA honors. If Duren signs an offer sheet elsewhere — and the Pistons execute a sign-and-trade for him — another team can offer a four-year deal worth approximately $177.4 million. Because Duren is a restricted free agent, the Pistons can match any offer sheet a team presents. 

Duren is coming off the best season of his career with the Pistons after averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He earned All-NBA Third-Team and NBA All-Star honors for the first time in his career and helped Detroit finish as the No. 1 seed in the East.

Ahead of free agency starting, here is where Duren can land — and why the Pistons could end up being his most likely destination when the dust settles.

Detroit Pistons

Why it would make sense: Above all else, the most likely scenario for logistical reasons is Duren returning to Detroit. Because Duren is a restricted free agent, the Pistons have the right to match any offer another team hands out. Additionally, because so few teams have cap space this summer, most deals would have to be a sign-and-trade. Duren is coming off his best season as a pro with the Pistons. And he wants to get paid. The Pistons can offer him more money than anyone else. 

Even after Duren’s lackluster showing in the playoffs (his scoring average dropped from 19.5 points per game in the regular season to 10.2 in the playoffs), he is part of a core that had the best record in the East. If the Pistons do explore a sign-and-trade, they would almost certainly need to trade for a frontcourt player, which is why a potential deal with Sacramento could work. After losing Isaiah Stewart this offseason, Duren walking would be a major blow for the Pistons as the franchise attempts to take another step. That’s why he could end up back in Detroit.

Sacramento Kings

Why it would make sense: This offseason has been full of wild rumors and storylines. The Kings being in on Duren is just the latest curveball of chaos. If the Kings did make a deal with Detroit, two names who make sense to get dealt (to make the money work) are Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis. LaVine, who just opted into his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, has been linked in the past to the Pistons. However, Sabonis would make more sense in a potential sign-and-trade scenario. 

Duren is set to make $45.4 million this season and $48.6 million next. Replacing Sabonis with Duren would also make the Kings younger. If Duren joined Sacramento, he would be the youngest non-rookie on the roster. After drafting Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 pick, adding a long-term running mate coming off an All-NBA season would make sense for a Kings team also searching for an identity. Sacramento went through the RFA dance last offseason with the Golden State Warriors when the franchise expressed interest in Jonathan Kuminga. After a long contract standoff, he signed a two-year deal to return to the Warriors before being traded to the Hawks at last season’s deadline. Kuminga is now an unrestricted free agent after having his team option declined by Atlanta on Monday.

Los Angeles Lakers

Why it would make sense: The Lakers are a team to monitor this offseason. LeBron James is a free agent. Austin Reaves just signed a deal to return to the franchise long-term. If James leaves in free agency, the Lakers would all of a sudden have cap space. The Lakers’ biggest need this offseason is finding a center. They have been linked to fellow RFA Walker Kessler and now Duren. It makes sense that Los Angeles would like to add an All-NBA player to its core of Reaves and Luka Dončić, as the franchise could turn the page on the LeBron era. 

Duren would add size, rebounding and interior finishing to a Lakers frontcourt in desperate need of it. Duren would also fit the timelines of Reaves and Dončić, who are tied together for at least the 2027-28 season. Notably, Dončić has a player option for the 2028-29 season. Adding someone like Duren would be another signal to Dončić that the Lakers are ready to build a team around him for the next chapter of Lakers basketball.

Football fans across Nigeria have reacted with shock and excitement after Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after both sides played out a 1-1 draw following extra time in their Round of 32 clash.

The South Americans took the lead in the 42nd minute through former Brighton and Ipswich Town forward Julio Enciso, before Germany fought back in the second half through Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz, who headed home a cross from Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz.

Despite dominating large periods of the second half and extra time, Germany failed to find a winner. A late goal from Jonathan Tah was ruled out for a foul on Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

The penalty shootout produced more drama as Germany’s Kai Havertz and Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade both had their penalties saved by Gill. Paraguay also missed opportunities to secure victory before defender Jose Canale calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to send his country into the Round of 16.

The result sparked widespread reactions among Nigerian football fans on social media, with many describing the outcome as one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

@SportsNaija247 wrote:

“This is why we love the World Cup. Nobody gave Paraguay a chance against Germany. Football remains the most unpredictable game in the world.”

@NaijaFootballTalk posted:

“Germany came with big names and history. Paraguay came with heart, discipline and belief. Congratulations to La Albirroja.”

@AbujaGunner said:

“Kai Havertz scoring during the game and then missing a penalty is the perfect summary of football. Hero and heartbreak in one night.”

@CalabarSportsHub wrote:

“Orlando Gill deserves a statue in Paraguay. What a performance from the goalkeeper.”

@NaijaWorldCupFans commented:

“We have seen Italy, Spain and now Germany suffer major upsets at different World Cups. No team can rely on history anymore.”

@UyoFootballView added:

“Paraguay defended like warriors. Germany had all the possession but could not find a way through.”

@PortHarcourtBall posted:

“The World Cup never disappoints. Paraguay have just written one of the greatest stories of this tournament.”

@LagosFootballExtra wrote:

“Imagine predicting that Germany would be eliminated by Paraguay before the tournament started. Football can be cruel.”

@SuperEaglesUpdates commented:

“This result should give smaller football nations hope. Organisation, discipline and determination can still overcome quality.”

Germany’s exit marks one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Paraguay continue their remarkable campaign and will now face either France or Sweden in the Round of 16.

For Nigerian football fans, the dramatic contest served as another reminder that at the FIFA World Cup, reputation counts for little once the referee blows the whistle.