Germany part ways with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and look to appoint Jürgen Klopp
Germany have parted company with head coach Julian Nagelsmann following the national team's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 and have confirmed they will approach Jürgen Klopp to take over.
A penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32 ended Germany's hopes of lifting a fifth World Cup, prompting Nagelsmann to offer his resignation to the German Football Association (DFB) less than three years after his appointment.
Speaking following the decision to part ways with the 38-year-old, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said: "The German Football Association would like to express its sincere thanks to Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023. He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Moreover, Julian is an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all hold in high regard."
Succeeding Hansi Flick, Nagelsmann took charge of Germany in September 2023, six months after being dismissed from his 20-month spell at Bayern Munich, where he won the 2021/22 Bundesliga title.
The former Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig coach guided his country to the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals on home soil, as well as the UEFA Nations League semi-finals the following year.
However, despite topping their group at the newly expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, Germany fell to Paraguay on penalties at the first knockout-stage hurdle.
Nagelsmann leaves with a record of 23 wins, six draws and seven defeats from his 37 matches in charge.
"I have given this a great deal of thought over the past few days since our elimination and have discussed the matter with close friends and colleagues. This decision was anything but easy for me," he explained.
"My primary goal has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, the team deserves the chance to make a fresh start without any baggage. I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff and everyone at the association who supported us, and above all the players with whom I had the privilege of working in a spirit of trust.
"Special thanks also go to the fans. You carried us through, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. I am truly sorry and deeply saddened that we have let you down and were unable to give you any more nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more."
In their announcement of Nagelsmann's departure, the DFB confirmed that they will look to speak to Klopp about taking over the job, stating that the former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Mainz coach, who is currently Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull and working at the World Cup as a pundit for German TV, has expressed his willingness for the role.
Germany's next fixture will be in the 2026/27 Nations League against the Netherlands on 24 September.
