Nagelsmann Departs Germany Post; Klopp Eyed After World Cup Exit

Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann has officially resigned as Germany's head coach, effective Friday, July 3, 2026, a decision that follows the national team's disappointing exit from the FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32. The German Football Association (DFB) swiftly announced its intention to open discussions with Jürgen Klopp, who has indicated his general willingness to assume the prestigious role.

Germany's World Cup campaign concluded abruptly after a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in BostonVenue·Boston, which they subsequently lost 3-4 in a penalty shootout. This early departure marks a concerning trend for the four-time world champions, representing their third consecutive early exit from the World Cup, following similar disappointments in 2018 and 2022. Under Nagelsmann, Germany also exited Euro 2024Competition·Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals after a loss to Spain.

DFB president Bernd NeuendorfPlayer·Bernd Neuendorf expressed gratitude for Nagelsmann's tenure, which began in September 2023. “The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023,” Neuendorf stated. “He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value.”

Nagelsmann, whose contract was set to run until Euro 2028Competition·Euro 2028, acknowledged the profound disappointment. “The decision was anything but easy for me,” Nagelsmann said in a statement. “My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning. I am sorry and hurt from the bottom of my heart that we disappointed you and couldn't give you any more football nights at this World Cup.” German newspaper Bild reported that Nagelsmann was offered a severance package of €7 million, approximately one year's salary, to terminate his contract early.

During the 2026 World Cup group stage, Germany topped Group E with six points, securing victories against CuracaoTeam·Curacao (7-1) and Ivory CoastTeam·Ivory Coast (2-1), despite a 2-1 loss to EcuadorTeam·Ecuador. However, the Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay proved to be the final straw for Nagelsmann, who had faced increasing criticism for his tactical choices, including starting Deniz UndavPlayer·Deniz Undav over Jamal MusialaPlayer·Jamal Musiala in knockout stages and replacing Oliver BaumannPlayer·Oliver Baumann with Manuel NeuerPlayer·Manuel Neuer in goal. Germany's FIFA World Ranking had dropped to 12th prior to the Paraguay match, a decline from 9th before their game against EcuadorTeam·Ecuador.

Jürgen Klopp, 59, has been out of club management since departing LiverpoolTeam·Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season. He subsequently took on the post of Red Bull's head of global soccer. Sky Germany has reported that Klopp has a verbal agreement allowing him to leave his current role to take up the Germany job, a position he has previously expressed a general willingness to consider. Klopp has been present at the World Cup, working as a pundit for German television.

The immediate implication of this coaching change is a critical need for a new direction for the German national team. The next competitive fixture for Germany is scheduled for September 24 in the Nations League against the NetherlandsTeam·Netherlands, with a new coach also tasked with leading the team through the qualification campaign for Euro 2028Competition·Euro 2028.