Klopp next? Nagelsmann resigns as Germany coach after World Cup exit
Julian Nagelsmann has resigned from his position as the head coach of the German national team following a disappointing second round exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He led Germany to a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32 encounter to continue their poor run in major tournaments since they won the trophy in 2014.
In the last three editions of the tournament, the Germans have suffered an early exit, in 2018 they crashed out of the group stage before repeating the same feat in 2022.
The German football federation confirmed in a statement on Friday that Nagelsmann has left his role while also announcing that they are in talks with Jürgen Klopp to replace him.
The statement read: “The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. 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.
“Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp. He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”
Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick as Germany’s head coach in 2023 and became the country’s second-youngest coach at just 36.
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The former Bayern Munich coach said the team deserved a fresh start after the below par showing at the tournament.
Nagelsmann said: “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.
“The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team ‘s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.”
Germany have not won a World Cup knockout game since they were crowned champions in 2014. They failed to get beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022, under Joachim Low and Hansi Flick respectively.
Klopp led Liverpool to seven trophies in his hugely successful nine-year spell at Liverpool before leaving in 2024. He is currently Red Bull’s head of global football after he was appointed in January 2025.
Nagelsmann earned 23 wins, six draws, and eight defeats in 37 matches in charge of the German national team.
