Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach following the team’s shock exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending his nearly three-year spell in charge.
The decision comes just days after Germany were knocked out by Paraguay in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp now the favourite to take over.
Nagelsmann, who took charge in September 2023, had a contract until Euro 2028. However, Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign put his future under serious doubt. Reports said the German Football Association (DFB) asked the 38-year-old to consider stepping down after the defeat to Paraguay or risk being sacked.
The former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig coach has now chosen to resign. By leaving on his own, Nagelsmann is expected to receive around £5 million in compensation instead of being dismissed.
His departure ends a tenure that began with high expectations. Germany appointed Nagelsmann to rebuild the national team after a series of poor performances at major tournaments. Instead, another early World Cup exit has raised fresh questions about the team’s direction and the DFB’s long-term plans.
Speaking after Germany’s elimination, Nagelsmann admitted his team had fallen well below the standard expected of a four-time world champion.
“If you are eliminated by Paraguay, you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed,” Nagelsmann said.
Despite the criticism, he had made it clear that he wanted to continue if the DFB backed him.
“If the DFB wants me to continue I am going to continue. I know the mechanics of football, I know how the industry works,” he said.
“I know a lot of people will want me to leave but I would love to continue if the football association wants me to.”
Attention has now turned to Jurgen Klopp, who has long been linked with the Germany job. Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in 2024 and has been working as a television pundit for German broadcaster Magenta during the World Cup.
Earlier in the tournament, Klopp said he would be willing to coach Germany if the opportunity came.
“I am available. If the DFB wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I’m not someone who runs away,” Klopp said.
After Germany’s exit, however, he refused to discuss the vacancy in detail.
“I understand that my name is being mentioned. But this isn’t the moment to talk about it, and certainly not with me,” Klopp said.
Klopp was one of Germany’s strongest critics during the tournament. He questioned the team’s performances and said they failed to show the quality expected from a side with players such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.
“There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one,” Klopp said.
“There was only one goal, one dream, and that’s been shattered. It was dramatic. We didn’t function and didn’t create enough.
“We all know how well the lads can play, but they didn’t bring that to the pitch.
“In three months we’ll be raving about Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala again, about how great they are. But not now.
“We can talk about the DFB. We absolutely have to change a few things.
“We can start with the U10s and wait a few years to see what happens at the top level.”
Germany’s latest World Cup exit has increased the pressure on the DFB to make major changes. The decision on Nagelsmann’s successor will be one of the biggest the federation has made in recent years.
If Klopp accepts the role, he will take charge of a team looking to recover from another disappointing tournament and rebuild before Euro 2028.
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