DFB Targets Jürgen Klopp After Julian Nagelsmann's Departure
Germany's national football team is set for another major change after the disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed Julian Nagelsmann's departure following the team's Round of 32 exit, while revealing that it intends to begin talks with Jürgen Klopp over becoming the next head coach.
Germany Begins New Era as DFB Targets Jürgen Klopp After Julian Nagelsmann's Departure
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially parted ways with head coach Julian Nagelsmann just days after Germany's shock elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening the door to what could become one of the most significant coaching appointments in international football.
Germany's tournament came to an abrupt end after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32, extending an alarming run of disappointing World Cup performances. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, the four-time world champions have failed to make a deep run at any of the last three editions of the tournament.
Following meetings between Nagelsmann and DFB officials, both sides agreed to end the coach's contract with immediate effect despite it originally running until the 2028 European Championship. In a statement, Nagelsmann said the team deserved "a fresh start" after the painful World Cup exit, adding that the decision had not been an easy one.
Klopp emerges as the preferred successor
The DFB wasted little time outlining its next move.
In an unusually direct announcement, the federation confirmed that it will seek talks with former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp, who has long been viewed as the federation's preferred candidate for the role. According to the DFB, Klopp has already indicated his general willingness to consider becoming Germany's next head coach.
Klopp is regarded as one of the most successful German coaches of the modern era. During his managerial career, he won Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund before leading Liverpool to UEFA Champions League and Premier League glory. He currently serves as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull while also working as a television pundit during the World Cup.
Pressure to restore Germany's reputation
Nagelsmann took charge of Germany in September 2023 with the task of rebuilding confidence following the dismissal of Hansi Flick. Although Germany showed encouraging signs during UEFA Euro 2024, expectations for the World Cup were considerably higher.
Instead, another early exit has intensified criticism of the national team's long-term direction and renewed calls for structural change within German football. The defeat to Paraguay marked Germany's third consecutive disappointing World Cup campaign after first-round eliminations in 2018 and 2022.
What comes next
While the DFB has made clear that Klopp is its first choice, no agreement has yet been announced. Negotiations are expected to take place in the coming days, and there is currently no official timeline for appointing Germany's next head coach.
Should Klopp accept the position, he would inherit the responsibility of rebuilding one of football's most successful national teams ahead of UEFA Euro 2028. For the DFB, the coming weeks could define the next chapter of German football as it seeks to restore the national team's standing among the world's elite.
