Jurgen Klopp targeted Premier League champions Arsenal after Germany were kicked out of the 2026 World Cup, losing in the last 16 to Paraguay on penalties on Monday.
Speaking as a pundit for German broadcaster MagentaTV, the former Liverpool manager was outraged by VAR’s decision to rule out what looked like a dramatic late German winner in Boston.
His comments are important because they reignite a long national debate about Arsenal’s physical tactics and whether referees apply foul standards consistently in international and club football.
Germany had hit back after Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead in the first half, with Arsenal forward Kai Havertz equalizing in the second period to force extra time.
Defender Jonathan Tah headed home what looked to be the winner deep into extra time, only for referee Jalal Jayed to rule it out after a VAR review.
The referee ruled that German defender Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up, sending the game to a penalty shoot-out which Paraguay won 4-3.
Klopp drew a direct comparison with Arsenal, who set a Premier League record for corner goals on their way to the 2025-26 title under Mikel Arteta and set piece coach Nicolas Jover.
“If the goal is illegal, Arsenal will not be champions of England. They have scored 60 percent of their goals that way,” Klopp said. “We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, that’s brutal.”
The Gunners regularly faced criticism at home for their blocking tactics on opposing goalkeepers from corners, a point Klopp used to argue that the contact Anton made with Gill is routinely allowed at club level.
Havertz endured a miserable evening, missing Germany’s opener after his earlier draw had briefly revived hopes under head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Reflecting on his exit, Klopp added: “There are worse things than defeat in sports. But there was only one goal, one dream, and that has been shattered. It was dramatic.”
Germany’s elimination is among the biggest shocks of the first tournament, while Paraguay continue. For more reaction and aftermath of the tournament, stay with DasFootball’s breaking football news coverage
