Jurgen Klopp is expected to become Germany’s next head coach after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following the national team’s disappointing FIFA World Cup exit.
Nagelsmann resigned after Germany suffered a shock Round of 32 elimination against Paraguay, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time in Boston. The result brought an abrupt end to Germany’s World Cup campaign despite entering the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s favourites.
The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed Nagelsmann’s departure on Friday and thanked the 38 year old for his work since taking charge in September 2023.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said: “The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. Julian Nagelsmann is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value.”
The federation also revealed that it will now begin formal discussions with Klopp about taking over the national team.
The DFB statement added: “Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp. He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”
Klopp currently serves as Head of Global Soccer for the Red Bull Group. However, his contract reportedly contains a special release clause that would allow him to leave if Germany offered him the national team job.
If an agreement is reached, it will mark Klopp’s first return to coaching since leaving Liverpool in 2024 after an iconic and highly successful spell at Anfield.
Nagelsmann’s tenure with Germany began in September 2023. He guided the four time world champions to the quarter finals of Euro 2024, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions Spain.
Germany also made a strong start at the 2026 World Cup. They topped Group E on goal difference after thrashing tournament debutants Curacao 7-1, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 and suffering a narrow 2-1 loss to Ecuador.
However, their campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion against Paraguay. After a tense 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time, Germany lost the penalty shootout and crashed out earlier than expected.
Despite the disappointment, Nagelsmann made it clear after the defeat that he wanted to remain in charge if the federation continued to back him.
“I am not someone who runs away,” Nagelsmann said after Germany’s elimination.
“This is not the first time this has happened, and there are some things about today that need to be changed.
“But if the DFB wants me to continue I am going to continue. I know the mechanics of football, I know how the industry works.
“I know a lot of people will want me to leave but I would love to continue if the football association wants me to.”
Instead, Germany now appear ready to begin a new era under Klopp, with the former Liverpool manager emerging as the leading candidate to guide the national team into its next chapter.
