Julian Nagelsmann has left his role as Germany manager after his team’s penalty shoot-out loss to Paraguay in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Jürgen Klopp set for talks over the vacant position.
The 38-year-old took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023, but could only reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil.
Klopp has been heavily linked to the role, and the German federation confirmed that the leadership team will “seek talks” with the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund boss following the dismissal of Nagelsmann.
A statement from the German federation read: “The shareholders’ representatives and the supervisory board of DFB GmbH & Co. KG today unanimously decided, on the proposal of DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, to immediately terminate the contractual relationship with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“Julian Nagelsmann had already requested to be relieved of his duties the previous day in a confidential meeting with the association’s leadership following the disappointing outcome of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“This request has now been granted by the shareholders’ representatives and the supervisory board.”  
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf added: “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.”
On Nagelsmann’s successor, the 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.”
Shock defeat to Paraguay made Nagelsmann’s position untenable
Nagelsmann looked set to lose his job ever since Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32 of the World Cup.
The result follows disappointing World Cup form from the four-time winners, who did not make it out of their group in the previous two editions, having won the tournament in 2014.
Nagelsmann had little credit in the bank either, having been at the helm for a home Euros tournament in 2024. But Germany lost to eventual winners Spain after extra time in the quarter-finals, a disappointing exit for the hosts.
Despite topping Group E at the World Cup, his side was far from convincing. A 7-1 thrashing of minnows Curacao was followed by a last-minute win over Cote d’Ivoire.
A shock 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final game was perhaps a sign of things to come, as Germany fell behind to Paraguay in the round of 32 and, despite Kai Havertz’s equaliser, lost a penalty shoot-out for the first time to exit the tournament.
On his departure, Nagelsmann said: “I’ve done a lot of thinking in the days since our elimination and have consulted with trusted individuals both personally and within the federation.
“The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the team’s success. After such a bitter disappointment, they deserve the chance for a fresh start.
“A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us, you trusted us, you gave us energy, even during difficult times. It truly pains me that we disappointed you and couldn’t give you any more memorable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved so much more!”
At just 38, the former Leipzig and Bayern Munich boss still has plenty left in him and will no doubt attract interest from Europe’s elite.
However, the sacking represents another blemish on his record, after he was dismissed by Bayern mid-season in 2023, with the Bavarian club behind Borussia Dortmund in the table.
Klopp set to return to the dugout
Nagelsmann’s replacement is likely to be 59-year-old Klopp, who has been out of management since he left Liverpool in 2024.
Klopp won Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years in 2020, alongside the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Super Cup, Community Shield and two Carabao Cups in his nine-year tenure.
As Borussia Dortmund boss, he led them to two Bundesliga titles and still holds the record for the youngest-ever title-winning squad in the German league in 2011.
Since his exit, he has worked as Red Bull’s head of global football, but his four-year contract has an exit clause should he want to become Germany manager.
If he was to become the national team manager, Klopp would have two years to prepare for his first major tournament – Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Ireland.
