Toni Kroos's harsh criticism of Germany: 'It's light years away from winning the World Cup'

The current situation of the Germany National Team is generating concern and debate after the defeat to Slovakia and the subsequent victory over Northern Ireland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Among the most influential voices, Toni Kroos stands out, a reference of the 2014 champion generation, who delivered a harsh diagnosis on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen.

"Currently, we don't have a group of 50 players of international caliber. That's how it is. We're just getting by. But the list doesn't matter either, with the matches they have, what we have should be enough," said the former Real Madrid player.

In contrast to Julian Nagelsmann, who spoke of "lack of attitude," Kroos pointed to deeper shortcomings: "I think it's a matter of confidence and quality."

A squad without clear leaders

The former midfielder emphasized the absence of leaders whom the rest can rely on: "There's a lack of conviction, self-understanding, and two or three players with that aura of 'we'll solve this'." The absence of Musiala and the isolation of Wirtz as an attacking figure accentuate the team's fragility.

His brother Felix, co-host of the podcast, ironically said that "it's never been so easy to be an international," upon seeing the squad list. Toni, however, defended the players' commitment and stressed that "I would never say that anyone lacks the desire to play these matches."

Road to the World Cup

Germany shares Group A with Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg. After two matchdays, it has 3 points and is in second place alongside the Northern Irish, behind Slovakia, which leads with a perfect score. The group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup and the runner-up will have to play a play-off.

"That we're currently light years away from being able to talk about the World Cup is true. But: it's not being played this summer, but the next. Let's wait for the right players to recover in the summer…," said Kroos, leaving a glimmer of hope. He added: "The great fortune is that we've been drawn into a group from which you practically can't be eliminated."

A parallel with Real Madrid

To conclude, the former midfielder drew on his experience at the Casa Blanca: "Many times in September or October I would hear that we weren't favorites for the Champions League that year. In May, the situation was very different."

With harsh criticism, but also confidence in a recovery, Kroos summed up the present of a Germany that is seeking to compete again at the world elite level.