Germany to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp after Juli...

By Ishaan Kapoor — 3 July 2026 — 3 min read

Nagelsmann’s Departure and Germany’s World Cup Exit

Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as the head coach of Germany’s men’s national team following their early exit from the World Cup 2026. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed his resignation on Friday, granting his request to be relieved of his duties. This decision comes after Germany was eliminated from the tournament in the last 32, losing to Paraguay on penalties.

Initially, Nagelsmann had expressed a desire to remain in charge, stating after the match, “I’m not someone who runs away.” However, he later reflected on the situation, explaining that after much thought and consultation, he concluded that the team deserved a fresh start after such a significant disappointment. His top priority, he affirmed, had always been the team’s success.

The DFB terminated their contractual relationship with the 38-year-old former Bayern Munich boss. Nagelsmann was appointed in September 2023, with his contract initially set to run until after Euro 2024. It was subsequently extended to cover this year’s World Cup and then further to Euro 2028. Reports suggest he was offered a severance package to shorten his contract.

Germany’s performance at the World Cup did not meet the DFB’s standards, as stated by DFB president Bernd Neuendorf. The team, four-time winners of the tournament, has not won a World Cup knockout game since being crowned champions in 2014. They failed to advance beyond the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 under previous coaches.

During his tenure, Nagelsmann led Germany to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals as hosts, where they were defeated by eventual winners Spain. The recent World Cup exit saw Germany top Group E on goal difference after victories against Curacao and Ivory Coast, but a defeat to Ecuador preceded their elimination by Paraguay in Boston.

Klopp Emerges as Potential Successor

Following Nagelsmann’s departure, the DFB has announced its intention to hold talks with Jurgen Klopp regarding the vacant national team coaching position. Klopp has already indicated a general willingness to consider the role, according to the DFB.

Klopp, a former manager of Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool, has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup. He has been out of club management since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season, after which he took on a role as head of global soccer for Red Bull.

Reports suggest that the 59-year-old has a verbal agreement that would allow him to leave his current position to take on the Germany job if approached. The DFB’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, acknowledged Nagelsmann’s decision with respect, noting that he took responsibility for the team’s performance.

The DFB president, Bernd Neuendorf, along with Voller and DFB managing director Andreas Rettig, held discussions to address the team’s performance. They agreed that after such a significant setback, a fresh approach was necessary. The association plans to take time to calmly discuss the reasons behind the team’s underperformance and their failure to meet expectations.

Julian Nagelsmann, left, lasted three years as Germany’s head coach and is now set to be replaced by Jürgen Klopp, whose last such job came at Liverpool in 2024.Photograph: Daniel Karmann,kerstin Joensson/AFP/Getty Images Credit: theguardian.com

Team Responsibility and Future Outlook

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has stated that the team must also take responsibility for their early exit from the tournament. During the World Cup, Nagelsmann made several notable selections, including playing Kimmich as a right-back instead of his usual midfield role.

Other decisions included bringing Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane back into the starting line-up and recalling 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, despite Oliver Baumann having played in all six World Cup qualifiers. The DFB’s statement on Wednesday highlighted the need to understand why the team could not display its quality and live up to the expectations of football fans across Germany.

The association is now focused on the challenges ahead and ensuring that they do not simply move on without addressing the issues. The discussions with Jurgen Klopp represent a significant step in their efforts to secure a new direction for the national team.

Nagelsmann, who also managed German club sides RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim, replaced Hansi Flick in September 2023.

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