Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down following the national team's early exit from the 2026 World Cup. The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday that the 38-year-old had asked to be released from his duties.
The decision followed a round-of-32 defeat to Paraguay on penalties in Boston on June 29. Reports indicate that Nagelsmann agreed to leave after a three-hour secret summit at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt, where he was urged to consider a voluntary departure. He is expected to receive an estimated payoff of 7 million euros.
This exit marks Germany's third successive World Cup disappointment after first-round exits in 2018 and 2022, contrasting with their victory in 2014. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf praised Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023, describing him as a sincere person with a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition.
The DFB board is now seeking talks with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to replace him. Klopp is believed to be the federation's preferred candidate to take over as the men's national team coach.