Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly stepped down as Germany head coach following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Germany’s campaign came to an abrupt end after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 following a 1-1 draw, marking the nation’s first-ever World Cup loss on penalties and ending hopes of a last-16 showdown with France.
Nagelsmann, who took charge of the national team in September 2023, had initially insisted he would not resign simply because of the elimination, maintaining that he was willing to remain in the role if the German Football Association (DFB) wanted him to continue.
“I’m not one to run away. It’s not the first time, but it’s been happening for a while now that we’ve been delivering tournaments like this and yes, there are certainly a few basic things that I don’t want to go into now.
“I’m not one of those people who sits here and says, ‘I’m resigning now, just because we’ve been eliminated’. If the DFB wants me to continue then I’ll continue and if they don’t want me to, then they can tell me that.”
However, reports from Germany say the 38-year-old has now decided to leave the position following discussions with DFB officials.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him. Klopp, who has been working as a television pundit during the World Cup, declined to discuss the speculation in detail but acknowledged that his name has been linked with the job.
“I understand that when people talk about the national coach, my name is mentioned. But it’s not the right moment to talk about it, especially not with me,” Klopp said.
