Nagelsmann quits after Paraguay loss, Klopp in line for Germany job

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach after his side's penalty defeat to Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is being linked to the vacancy. The German federation announced the move on Friday, four days after the loss in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The World Cup round of 32 clash took place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Julian Nagelsmann walked out of a pre‑match press conference before the Germany‑Paraguay game, signalling his imminent departure. The defeat marked Germany’s third consecutive tournament without reaching the World Cup round of 16. The German football federation confirmed Nagelsmann’s resignation on Friday, ending a contract that still had two years remaining and had placed him among the highest‑paid coaches at the tournament. In a personal statement, Nagelsmann said he had reflected with trusted people and that the decision “was anything but easy” but that the team deserved a fresh start after a “bitter disappointment.” His exit follows mounting criticism of his tactical choices, including the recall of 40‑year‑old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the deployment of Leroy Sane on the wing and Joshua Kimmich at right‑back.

Germany’s coaching crossroads: Nagelsmann out, Klopp in the frame

Central defender Waldemar Anton was forced into the back line in the latter stages of the Paraguay loss, while striker Nick Woltemade, who featured throughout qualifying, remained on the bench until near the end of the match. Nagelsmann joins a recent wave of high‑profile coaches departing after early World Cup exits, with Ronald Koeman leaving the Netherlands and Marcelo Bielsa already planning to step down as Uruguay manager. The federation has already opened talks with Jürgen Klopp, who has signaled a general willingness to take the role, and it would be his first coaching job since leaving Liverpool in 2024. Klopp, currently head of global soccer for the Red Bull group, was a prominent pundit during the tournament and sat beside Nagelsmann for post‑match interviews. Germany’s next competitive fixture is scheduled for September 24 in the Nations League against the Netherlands.

Germany’s coaching crossroads: Nagelsmann exits, Klopp in frame

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesperson Stefan Kornelius thanked Nagelsmann for his “commitment and service in recent years as national team coach” during a government news conference. The resignation closes a turbulent chapter that began with Nagelsmann’s appointment in 2023 and a contract extension through Euro 2028.