The failures of Italy and Germany at the 2026 World Cup have signaled deep crises in two of Europe's major countries. According to analyses published in the New York Times and Newsweek, the decline in the football teams of these two countries is a reflection of structural issues such as economic stagnation, political polarization and demographic problems.
Italy: Population Decline and National Identity Crisis
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals for the third consecutive time, causing great disappointment. In the country, football is almost considered part of the national identity; the absence of Italy, which has four World Cup titles, has created a deep shock.
According to the New York Times, Italian writer Aldo Cazzullo said the sporting failure shows that "not only in football, but in every field the country is below its potential." Indeed, Italy is struggling with problems such as rapid population decline, aging, a stagnant economy and the emigration of young talents abroad.
Football is one of the rare areas that creates a sense of unity for Italians. As one fan put it, "We only feel Italian when Italy plays in the World Cup." Even cultural and tourism successes cannot provide the same common identity bond.
Germany: Economic Stagnation and Political Division
Germany, which last won the World Cup in 2014, made an early exit from the 2026 tournament. This result is seen as an extension of a long-standing decline in the country.
Clemens Fuest, President of the Ifo Institute for Economic Research, said, "The decline of the national team reflects the decline in economic performance and political cohesion in Germany." Fuest noted that the economy has effectively stopped growing since 2019, while reports from Europe describe recent years as a "lost decade."
According to Newsweek, the war in Ukraine, high energy prices, US tariffs and Chinese competition have fundamentally shaken the automotive sector in particular. Car manufacturers, which form the backbone of German industry, are struggling with the transition to electric vehicles and loss of market share globally.
In the same period, the political landscape has also changed. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained strength, while immigration has become the most divisive issue in society. This picture is very different from the period when Germany was described as Europe's undisputed leader under former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Beyond the Pitch: A Metaphor for Europe
The analyses of both newspapers show that football results alone do not explain the situation of countries, but they mirror existing problems. In Italy, insufficient investment in youth, education and sports has led to the decline of the national team; while in Germany, economic slowdown, industrial pressures and political polarization have been reflected in on-field performance.
The New York Times emphasized that the way to save Italian football is not only through a change of coach but through solving structural problems in the country. Newsweek stated that Germany needs deep economic and political reforms to return to its former position.
Berlin is still a major economic power with strong institutions, but it is no longer an undisputed European model as it was a decade ago. Italy's absence from the tournament and Germany's early exit have turned into a story of a Europe where it is difficult to feel confident about the future based on past successes.
