Germany faces managerial change as Klopp linked wi...

By Ishaan Kapoor — 2 July 2026 — 4 min read

Following Germany’s early exit from the World Cup 2026, head coach Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly facing dismissal, with former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp emerging as a leading candidate to take over the national team. Nagelsmann, 38, has been under scrutiny since Germany’s elimination in the last-32 stage after a defeat to Paraguay.

Reports from Bild indicate that Nagelsmann was offered a severance package of €7m during a meeting at the German FA (DFB) headquarters in Frankfurt. His contract, last renewed in January 2025, is set to run until 2028. The DFB president, Bernd Neuendorf, announced an immediate investigation into the World Cup performance, with a decision on Nagelsmann’s future expected by the beginning of next week.

Several German media outlets, including Sky and Sueddeutsche Zeitung, have identified Klopp as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Nagelsmann. This speculation has intensified following Germany’s penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay, which marked their earliest-ever World Cup knockout elimination and their first loss in a World Cup penalty shootout since 1982.

Klopp’s potential role and current commitments

Despite the growing speculation, Jürgen Klopp has publicly distanced himself from immediate discussions about the Germany managerial position. Speaking on MagentaTV, where he has been working as a pundit during the tournament, Klopp stated that it is not the right time to address such a move. He acknowledged that his name is often mentioned in connection with the national coach position but emphasized his current commitments.

Klopp currently serves as the Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull, a role he has described as a full-time commitment. However, reports in Germany suggest that his contract with Red Bull includes an exit clause specifically allowing him to take over the Germany national team if the opportunity arises. This detail, reported by Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, indicates that Klopp’s agreement with Oliver Mintzlaff, signed in 2024, permits him to leave his current contract at any time for the Germany job.

According to one report, Klopp would be prepared to take on the role if the DFB decides to part ways with Nagelsmann. Another report suggests that Klopp has already been approached regarding the position, with several senior officials within the DFB reportedly favouring his appointment should a managerial change occur. Former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is also among those who believe Klopp is the most likely successor.

Nagelsmann’s stance and team performance

Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear that he has no intention of resigning from his position as Germany’s head coach. Following the defeat to Paraguay, which saw Germany eliminated after a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout loss, Nagelsmann told reporters that he would continue if the DFB wished for him to remain in charge. He acknowledged that many would want him to leave but reiterated his commitment if the federation supported him.

Nagelsmann’s contract runs until Euro 2028, an extension he signed in January 2025 after guiding Germany to the semi-finals of Euro 2024. Despite building his reputation with successful spells at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich, his first major international tournament as national coach has concluded with disappointment. This follows previous group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, extending a challenging period for the national team.

In other World Cup news, Spain is set to face Austria in the round of 32. This will be their first encounter since a friendly match in November 2009, which Spain won 5-1. Austria’s defender Michael Svoboda has signed a four-year deal with Brighton from Serie B champions Venezia and will join his new team-mates after the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s midfielder Pape Gueye has stated he will not play for the national team under the current coaching staff following their dramatic exit from the tournament. Gueye, who plays for Villarreal, started in Senegal’s last-32 tie against Belgium, where Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute strike secured a comeback win for Belgium.

In England team news, Jarell Quansah is expected to recover from a twisted ankle in time for England’s last-16 tie against Mexico, boosting Thomas Tuchel’s options at right-back. Reece James, who missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury, also reported feeling well.

Community engagement and fan support

The World Cup continues to generate significant community engagement. In St. Louis, a city with a large Bosnian community, thousands paraded through the city with their native country’s regalia before a World Cup warmup match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Panama. This community, largely composed of those who fled during the 90s war, actively supports their team.

For fans in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has approved an extension to licensing hours for pubs for the upcoming match between England and Mexico, scheduled for 1am on Sunday/Monday morning. This decision aims to allow supporters to watch the game without having to go home, benefiting both fans and local venues.

In Mexico, fans are reportedly feeling confident about facing England, especially after their team’s performance of four wins and zero goals conceded, with a home tie at the Azteca stadium approaching. The match between Spain and Austria is only a few hours away.

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