Nagelsmann resigns as Germany coach, DFB targets Klopp as successor

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as head coach of the German national team after their shock round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup, the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday. The DFB immediately announced it would enter talks with Jürgen Klopp to take over.

What happened

Germany lost to Paraguay 4–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in Boston, marking the third consecutive World Cup failure following group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022. Nagelsmann, 38, initially said he wanted to stay, but after a three-hour meeting with DFB officials on Thursday, he agreed to resign. Reports suggest the federation offered a €7 million settlement Source: Bild, via clarin.

The reaction

Nagelsmann said the decision was "anything but easy" and that the team deserved a fresh start Source: EMOL. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf thanked Nagelsmann for his commitment, while sporting director Rudi Völler called his resignation "respectful" Source: lavozar. Alongside Nagelsmann, his two assistants and executive director Andreas Rettig also left Source: lavanguardia.

What's next

• The DFB confirmed it will hold talks with Jürgen Klopp, who has expressed “in principle” willingness to take the job Source: excelsiormx.
• Klopp, 59, currently works as Red Bull's global head of soccer and has a contract until 2029, but has said he feels "ready" and has "recharged his energy" Source: infobae.
• Several sources note that Klopp's exit from Red Bull depends on negotiations with CEO Oliver Minzlaff Source: elespanol.