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Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany’s head coach following the nation’s disappointing exit from the World Cup in the round of 32. The tactically astute manager, who had initially vowed to continue, has now agreed to resign after senior officials of the German Football Association (DFB) withdrew their backing during an intense crisis meeting.

Germany’s World Cup collapse marks a historic low

Just four days after the four-time world champions were eliminated by South American underdogs Paraguay in a dramatic penalty shootout, the DFB confirmed Nagelsmann’s departure. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, before Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade, and Jonathan Tah missed their spot-kicks in a 4-3 shootout defeat. This result represents the first time in Germany’s illustrious history that they have been knocked out of a World Cup through penalties.

In an official statement, the DFB board announced that it had “unanimously decided, on the proposal of DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, to immediately terminate the contractual relationship” with Nagelsmann.

The statement added that the coach “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... This request has now been granted by the shareholders’ representatives and the supervisory board.”

Nagelsmann’s statement after his departure

According to reports from the German outlet Bild, Nagelsmann’s position became untenable following a detailed review at the DFB headquarters. Although he had initially reaffirmed his commitment to staying on, sporting director Rudi Voller joined the board’s consensus in advising the 38-year-old to step aside.

In his farewell remarks, Nagelsmann said, “I have done a lot of thinking since our elimination and have spoken to trusted people both personally and within the federation. This was an incredibly difficult decision for me. My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a painful disappointment, they deserve the opportunity for a new beginning. I want to thank my coaching staff, the support team, and everyone at the federation who stood by us, especially the players with whom I had the privilege to work. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the fans. You supported us, believed in us, and gave us strength even in tough times. It truly hurts that we let you down and couldn’t give you more unforgettable nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved better.”

A stagnant era calls for renewal

The dismal World Cup campaign highlights an extended period of decline for Die Mannschaft, who have managed to reach only one major quarter-final since 2016. Despite Nagelsmann’s relatively respectable record, Kicker has reported that the internal consensus within the DFB was that he should move on, with Jurgen Klopp identified as the preferred successor. While Nagelsmann’s early contract termination, which extended until Euro 2028, may involve a significant severance payout, an immediate appointment of Klopp—currently associated with Red Bull—appears improbable for now.

Germany’s next phase: Nations League revival

Germany now faces a crucial period of transition as the federation works urgently to appoint a new manager before the upcoming international break. The national team will return to action on September 24 with a Nations League fixture against their fierce rivals, the Netherlands. Securing a high-calibre successor swiftly will be essential to rebuilding the squad’s confidence and steering the team through a challenging group stage campaign.