German football has entered another period of uncertainty after Julian Nagelsmann resigned as Germany head coach following the nation’s shock elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, with former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp emerging as the overwhelming favourite to succeed him.
Nagelsmann’s departure comes just days after Germany’s dramatic Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay, where the four-time world champions were eliminated in a penalty shootout after failing to break down the South American side over 120 minutes.
The resignation ends a tenure of nearly three years that began with optimism but ultimately concluded in disappointment.
Appointed in September 2023, Nagelsmann was tasked with restoring Germany’s status among world football’s elite after a series of underwhelming performances at major tournaments.
Although his contract ran until UEFA Euro 2028, Germany’s latest World Cup failure reportedly prompted the German Football Association (DFB) to ask the 38-year-old to consider resigning following the loss to Paraguay or face dismissal.
Nagelsmann chose to leave voluntarily, a move that is expected to entitle him to compensation reportedly worth around £5 million, rather than being dismissed by the federation.
His resignation marks another setback for Germany’s rebuilding project as questions continue to surround the direction of one of international football’s traditional powerhouses.
Following Germany’s elimination, Nagelsmann offered a brutally honest assessment of his team’s performance.
“If you are eliminated by Paraguay, you are just not a first-class football team. I am very disappointed.”
Despite acknowledging the disappointment, the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig manager had publicly stated that he wanted to remain in charge if the DFB retained confidence in him.
“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.”
Attention has quickly shifted to Jürgen Klopp, who has long been viewed as Germany’s preferred long-term successor.
Since leaving Liverpool in 2024, Klopp has worked as a television analyst for German broadcaster Magenta during the World Cup while remaining closely linked with the national team position.
Earlier in the tournament, Klopp openly admitted he would be willing to take charge if approached.
“I am available. If the DFB wants it, then I will do the Euro 2028, and if not then they have to tell me. I’m not someone who runs away.”
However, following Germany’s elimination, Klopp refused to discuss the vacancy directly.
“I understand that my name is being mentioned. But this isn’t the moment to talk about it, and certainly not with me.”
Throughout the tournament, Klopp did not hide his disappointment with Germany’s displays.
He questioned the team’s lack of creativity and intensity despite boasting elite talents such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala.
“There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one.”
“There was only one goal, one dream, and that’s been shattered. It was dramatic. We didn’t function and didn’t create enough.”
“We all know how well the lads can play, but they didn’t bring that to the pitch.”
Klopp also suggested broader structural changes are needed within German football.
“We can talk about the DFB. We absolutely have to change a few things.”
“We can start with the U10s and wait a few years to see what happens at the top level.”
Germany’s latest World Cup disappointment has intensified calls for sweeping reform, with the appointment of the next national team coach likely to shape the country’s future heading into UEFA Euro 2028.
Should Klopp accept the role, he would inherit a squad rich in talent but burdened by a succession of disappointing tournament performances, with expectations of restoring Germany to the summit of international football.
After another painful World Cup exit, the DFB now faces one of the most significant managerial decisions in its modern history.
Credit Photo : FIFA
