Germany’s early elimination ends Nagelsmann’s tenure, with Jürgen Klopp emerging as one of the leading candidates to take over the national team.
Germany will have a new head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Julian Nagelsmann has officially stepped down as manager of the German national team following the country’s disappointing Round of 32 elimination against Paraguay.
The decision marks the end of a tenure that began in September 2023 and concludes after Germany’s earliest World Cup exit in decades.
Immediately after the defeat, Nagelsmann insisted he had no intention of resigning, saying, “I’m not someone who runs away.”
However, after further discussions with the German Football Association (DFB), the 38-year-old chose to step aside, believing a fresh start would be best for the national team.
In an official statement, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf thanked Nagelsmann for his commitment throughout his time in charge.
“We sincerely thank Julian Nagelsmann for the work he has done since September 2023. He demonstrated outstanding commitment, ambition, responsibility and integrity. He has our respect and appreciation,” Neuendorf said.
According to the DFB, it was Nagelsmann himself who requested to be released from his contract.
“The decision was anything but easy,” Nagelsmann said in his farewell statement. “My primary goal has always been the success of the national team. After such a disappointing result, Germany deserves the opportunity to move forward without limitations. I deeply regret letting our supporters down. They deserved much more.”
Sporting director Rudi Völler also praised the departing coach for accepting responsibility.
“Julian’s decision deserves respect because he placed the interests of the national team above his own. He remains an outstanding coach, and I am convinced he will enjoy great success in the future,” Völler said.
Assistant coaches Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner have also left their positions as part of the coaching staff’s departure.
Attention now turns to Nagelsmann’s successor.
Among the names already being linked to the position, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has emerged as one of the leading candidates. Klopp, one of Germany’s most successful modern coaches, has long been viewed as a potential national team manager, and his name is expected to dominate discussions as the DFB begins its search for a new leader.
Following another disappointing World Cup campaign, Germany now faces a crucial rebuilding process as it looks to return among international football’s elite.
