Germany’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in stunning disappointment after the four-time champions were knocked out by Paraguay in the Round of 32, triggering immediate managerial fallout. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down from his role following the shock defeat, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure with the national team.
According to reports from Sky Sports, the German Football Association (DFB) held an emergency crisis meeting lasting over three hours after Germany’s penalty shootout loss. Following internal discussions, the federation’s leadership reportedly advised Nagelsmann to resign, a recommendation he ultimately accepted, choosing to step down rather than face dismissal.
The 37-year-old coach, who took charge of Germany in 2023 after successful spells at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, is expected to receive a compensation package reportedly worth around £5 million following his departure. His exit marks a significant turning point for German football after yet another disappointing major tournament campaign.
In an official statement, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf described the defeat as a devastating setback and emphasized the need for a fresh start for the national team. He indicated that the federation could not continue with business as usual following such an early and unexpected exit from the tournament.
Nagelsmann had initially suggested he was open to continuing in the role despite the loss. Speaking after the match, he admitted that Germany’s performance fell short, saying that elimination at the hands of Paraguay highlighted the team’s shortcomings at the highest level. However, he also stated that he would have continued if the federation had wanted him to stay.
The Round of 32 clash saw Paraguay, ranked significantly lower than Germany in the FIFA rankings, pull off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup knockout history. The match ended in a 3–4 penalty shootout defeat for Germany after a tense encounter filled with VAR interventions and high drama. The result is now being regarded as one of the most shocking eliminations in recent tournament history.
Following Nagelsmann’s resignation, attention has quickly shifted to potential successors, with Jurgen Klopp emerging as the frontrunner for the job. The former Liverpool manager, currently working as a television pundit during the tournament, has previously expressed interest in managing the German national team.
Klopp has also indicated in past statements that he would be open to taking charge if approached by the DFB, further fueling speculation about his potential appointment. While no official decision has been announced, reports suggest he is now the leading candidate as Germany begins its search for a new head coach.