Daijiworld Media Network - Berlin
Berlin, Jul 3: Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as head coach of the Germany national football team following the country's disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with the German Football Association (DFB) confirming the immediate termination of his contract and announcing plans to open discussions with Jürgen Klopp over the vacant position.
The decision comes days after Germany's shock Round of 32 elimination at the hands of Paraguay, who prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended level following extra time. The defeat marked Germany's first-ever loss in a World Cup penalty shootout, ending the nation's perfect record in such contests.
According to the DFB, Nagelsmann requested to be relieved of his duties during a confidential meeting with senior federation officials a day after the defeat, acknowledging the team's failure to meet expectations at the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The request was unanimously accepted by the federation's leadership.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf thanked the 38-year-old coach for his commitment during his tenure.
"The German Football Association would like to expressly thank Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023. He personified a high level of commitment and exceptional ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely conscientious and sincere person whom we all hold in high regard," Neuendorf said in a statement.
Explaining his decision, Nagelsmann said he had reflected deeply after Germany's early exit and concluded that the team needed a fresh start.
He described the decision as one of the most difficult of his career but said the interests of the national team had to come first.
"I have thought a great deal in recent days following our elimination. The team deserves the opportunity for a genuine new beginning after such a painful disappointment," Nagelsmann said, while expressing gratitude to his coaching staff, the federation, the players and Germany's supporters. He also apologised to fans for failing to deliver a better World Cup campaign.
The DFB also confirmed that assistant coaches Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner will leave along with Nagelsmann.
Attention has now shifted to former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Nagelsmann. The federation said it would begin formal talks with Klopp, who has reportedly indicated his willingness in principle to take charge of the national team. Klopp is currently overseeing Red Bull's global football operations and is understood to have a contractual provision allowing him to leave for the Germany job.
Nagelsmann, who took over as Germany coach in September 2023 and was contracted until the 2028 UEFA European Championship, departs after overseeing another disappointing World Cup campaign. Germany had previously suffered back-to-back group-stage exits in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments before this latest early elimination in 2026.