Thomas Muller strongly criticized VAR after Germany’s surprising Round of 32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A disputed call overturned Jonathan Tah’s extra-time header, leading to a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay. Muller told German broadcaster Magenta TV that the intervention erased a legitimate goal scored in the 101st minute. He argued Tah won the ball cleanly from a corner and finished properly. The goal was disallowed following a review for an alleged foul by defender Waldemar Anton on the opposing goalkeeper. Muller said the team felt unfairly treated and described the decision as inconsistent with other challenges allowed during the tournament. Germany had started celebrating before the reversal. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, and Paraguay advanced after converting penalties while Germany missed three attempts. Muller noted the emotional toll on players who believed they had secured victory, adding that losing a goal to remote interpretation was difficult to accept. The result marks Germany’s earliest exit in the modern era, while Paraguay, ranked 41st, reached the Round of 16.
