The failures of Italy and Germany at the 2026 World Cup have signaled crises deeper than they appear. According to analyses published in the New York Times and Newsweek, the decline of the football teams in 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 caused a major disappointment by failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals for the third consecutive time. In the country, football is almost considered a part of the national identity; the absence of Italy, which has four world championships, has created a deep shock.
According to the New York Times, Italian author Aldo Cazzullo said the sporting failure shows that "the country is underperforming not only in football but in every field." Indeed, Italy is grappling with problems such as rapid population decline, an aging society, a stagnant economy and the emigration of young talent 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 achievements fail to provide the same common identity bond.
Germany: economic stagnation and political division
Germany, which last won the world championship 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, U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition have fundamentally shaken the automotive sector in particular. Automakers, which form the backbone of German industry, are struggling with the transition to electric vehicles and a loss of market share globally.
The political landscape has also changed in the same period. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained strength, while the issue of immigration has become the most divisive topic in society. This picture is very different from the era under former Chancellor Angela Merkel, when Germany was described as Europe's undisputed leader.
Beyond the pitch: a metaphor for Europe
The analyses in both newspapers show that football results alone do not explain the state of the countries, but they do mirror existing problems. In Italy, insufficient investment in youth, education and sport has led to the national team's decline, while in Germany, economic slowdown, industrial pressures and political polarization have been reflected in on-field performance.
The New York Times stressed that the way to save Italian football lies not only in changing the coach but in solving the country's structural problems. Newsweek stated that Germany needs deep economic and political reforms to return to its former position.
Berlin still has great economic power and strong institutions, but it is no longer the undisputed European model 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 has become difficult to feel confident about the future based on past successes.
