Following Germany’s defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 against Paraguay, the German Football Association (DFB) and Julian Nagelsmann have decided to go their separate ways. Jurgen Klopp’s name is being discussed as a potential successor for Nagelsmann, despite previously ruling himself out of contention. Nagelsmann expressed his desire to continue as coach after the loss, but Klopp, at 59 years old, is seen as a popular choice to lead the team after their recent disappointments in major tournaments.
Germany, known for their penalty shootout prowess, suffered a heartbreaking exit in the World Cup, marking a significant departure from their historical success in such situations. The DFB leadership, following a detailed analysis of the World Cup performance, reportedly urged Nagelsmann to step down. The team’s president emphasized the need for a fresh approach, stating that they cannot simply resume operations as usual after the disappointing defeat against Paraguay.
Nagelsmann, whose contract was set to run until the 2028 European Championship, has decided to resign based on the advice of the DFB leadership, avoiding a potential dismissal. Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, is the clear favorite to take over as Nagelsmann’s successor. Discussions with Klopp are expected to commence soon, as he has an exit clause in his Red Bull contract that allows him to join the DFB.
