Germany have officially parted ways with Julian Nagelsmann after the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the German Football Association confirming it will now begin formal talks with Jürgen Klopp over the vacant managerial role.
The DFB announced on Thursday that its shareholder representatives and supervisory board unanimously approved the immediate termination of Nagelsmann’s contract, acting on the recommendation of president Bernd Neuendorf.
The decision followed a private meeting a day earlier in which Nagelsmann asked to step down after Germany’s World Cup elimination in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Neuendorf paid tribute to the departing coach, saying: “The DFB sincerely thanks Nagelsmann for his outstanding work since September 2023. He has consistently demonstrated tremendous commitment and dedication. He is also a highly principled, sincere, and honourable person, and we hold him in the highest respect.”
Nagelsmann admitted the decision had been difficult but insisted the national team needed a fresh start.
He said, “Since the team’s exit, I have reflected deeply and held extensive discussions with those close to me and with the DFB. This decision was not easy. My goal has always been the team’s success.
“After such a significant defeat, this team deserves a fresh start without the weight of the past. I want to thank my coaching staff, the players, and everyone at the DFB who supported us.
“I am especially grateful to the fans for your unwavering support and trust, which gave us strength even in the most difficult moments. I am deeply sorry that I could not deliver more memorable World Cup moments and that I fell short of your expectations. You deserved better.”
Germany’s sporting director Rudi Völler backed Nagelsmann’s decision, praising the former coach for putting the national team’s interests first.
Völler said: “The World Cup exit disappointed us all, and we respect Nagelsmann’s decision to take responsibility. He put the interests of the German national team above his own, despite his desire to continue leading the team toward his goals.
“We all hoped for better results and performances at the World Cup. Nagelsmann is an excellent coach, and I am confident he will continue to achieve success. I sincerely thank him for the trust and collaboration he has consistently shown.”
The DFB also confirmed the departure of assistant coaches Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner, thanking both men for their service alongside Nagelsmann.
Attention now turns to Klopp, with the federation revealing it will immediately open formal discussions with the former Liverpool manager, who has previously indicated he would be willing to take charge of the German national team.
In a further change at the DFB, sports managing director Andreas Rettig announced he will leave when his contract expires at the end of the year.
Rettig said he made the decision for personal reasons and informed Neuendorf before the World Cup began.
