**Nagelsmann Resigns as Germany Coach Following World Cup Exit**
**Published: July 3, 2026**
Germany's national football team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has stepped down from his position following the team's disappointing exit from the World Cup 2026. The announcement was made by the German Football Association (DFB) on Friday, just days after Germany's surprising defeat to Paraguay in the last-32, where they lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Nagelsmann's resignation marks a significant moment in German football, as he becomes only the second coach in the nation's history to be compelled to resign after a World Cup failure, following his predecessor Hansi Flick, who was dismissed in 2023. The DFB confirmed that Nagelsmann, who had been under contract until the 2028 European Championship, agreed to leave following discussions with senior officials at the association.
In a statement, Bernd Neuendorf, president of the DFB, expressed gratitude for Nagelsmann's commitment and ambition during his tenure, which began in September 2023. "Julian Nagelsmann is characterised by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition. He is also an extremely responsible and sincere person whom we all value," Neuendorf stated.
Reports indicate that Nagelsmann participated in a three-hour meeting at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt, during which he was presented with a severance package of approximately seven million euros (around $8 million), equivalent to nearly one year's salary.
In his resignation statement, Nagelsmann reflected on the disappointment of the team's performance, stating, "The decision was anything but easy for me. My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning." He also expressed his sorrow to fans for not delivering a more successful campaign at the tournament.
Germany's exit from the World Cup continues a troubling trend for the four-time champions, who have now experienced three consecutive World Cup disappointments. The team previously faced early exits in the group stages during the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Since their last knockout victory in the 2014 final against Argentina, Germany has struggled to maintain its status as a football powerhouse, failing to win a knockout match or keep a clean sheet in subsequent tournaments.
With Nagelsmann's departure, attention now turns to potential successors, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp emerging as a leading candidate. The DFB has indicated that discussions will commence with Klopp, who has expressed a willingness to consider the role. Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 after a successful tenure that included winning both the Champions League and Premier League, is currently serving as Red Bull's global head of football. Reports suggest he has a release clause that could facilitate his return to coaching the national team.
As the DFB navigates this transition, the focus will be on rebuilding the national team and restoring its reputation on the international stage. The upcoming European Championship in 2028 will be a crucial opportunity for the new coach to implement changes and reinvigorate the squad.
The fallout from Germany's early World Cup exit and Nagelsmann's resignation highlights the intense pressure faced by national coaches and the high expectations surrounding the German football team. As discussions with potential candidates like Klopp unfold, the DFB aims to chart a new course for the future of German football.