Julian Nagelsmann resigns as Germany coach after World Cup exit

Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany head coach following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paving the way for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to become the next coach of the four-time world champions.

The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed Nagelsmann’s departure on Friday, just days after Germany suffered a shock Round of 32 elimination against Paraguay.

The 2014 world champions were knocked out on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time in Boston, bringing an abrupt end to their World Cup campaign.

In an official statement, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf thanked Nagelsmann for his service since taking charge in September 2023.

“The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023”, Neuendorf said.

“He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value”.

The federation also confirmed it will immediately begin discussions with Jurgen Klopp, who has already indicated his willingness to take over the national team.

Klopp is currently serving as Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull Group after leaving Liverpool in 2024.

However, reports indicate that his contract contains a special release clause allowing him to accept the Germany job if offered.

Should an agreement be reached, the 59-year-old would return to coaching for the first time since ending his highly successful nine-year spell at Liverpool, where he transformed the club into one of Europe's strongest teams.

Nagelsmann, 38, was appointed Germany head coach in September 2023 after previously managing Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.

Widely regarded as one of football's brightest tactical minds, he guided Germany to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 before they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

At the 2026 World Cup, Germany began strongly by thrashing Curaçao 7-1 and defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 before losing 2-1 to Ecuador in their final group match. Despite topping Group E on goal difference, they were stunned by Paraguay in the knockout stage.

Following the defeat, Nagelsmann admitted changes were needed but insisted he had been prepared to continue if the federation retained confidence in him.

“I am not someone who runs away”, he said.

“If the DFB wants me to continue, I am going to continue. I know how football works, and I know many people will want me to leave, but I would have loved to continue”.

Attention has now turned to Klopp, one of Germany’s most celebrated managers.

During his coaching career, he led Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles before winning the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool.

Renowned for his high-intensity ‘Gegenpressing’ style and exceptional man-management, Klopp is widely regarded as one of the finest coaches of his generation.

If appointed, Klopp will inherit the task of rebuilding Germany into a major force ahead of UEFA Euro 2028, with supporters hopeful his arrival can usher in a new era following another disappointing World Cup campaign.