The German Football Association (DFB) has taken a decisive step, officially announcing the termination of the contract with the head coach of the national team, Julian Nagelsmann. This decision is a direct consequence of the team's unsuccessful performance at the 2026 World Cup, which ended for Germany in the Round of 32.
From triumph to fiasco
Just two years ago, in September 2023, Nagelsmann took charge of the national team with high hopes. Under his leadership, the team performed successfully at the home Euro 2024, reaching the quarter-finals, where they lost to the future champions, Spain, with a score of 1:2 in extra time. This result seemed to be the foundation for future victories, however, the 2026 World Cup turned into a real nightmare for German football.
Sensations and failures at the 2026 World Cup
The performance in the group stage of the tournament was contradictory. The Germans demonstrated power, crushing Curaçao (7:1) and beating Ivory Coast (2:1). However, the sensational defeat to Ecuador (1:2) alarmed fans and the union leadership. The final point in Nagelsmann's career was the Round of 32 match against Paraguay.
The match ended in a 1:1 draw after regular and extra time. In the penalty shootout, the German national team could not cope with the pressure and lost with a score of 3:4. It was this fiasco that forced the DFB leadership to make a tough decision, despite the fact that Nagelsmann himself refused to resign voluntarily.
Financial consequences and departure of the staff
The premature dismissal of the specialist required significant financial investment from the union. For the termination of the contract, Nagelsmann will receive a substantial compensation, which amounts to about 7 million euros. Along with the 38-year-old coach, his closest assistants — Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner — are also leaving the national team, which effectively means a complete restart of the coaching staff.
Jürgen Klopp — the main candidate for the throne
The German Football Association did not hide the name of the main contender for the vacant position. Nagelsmann's successor is to be the legendary Jürgen Klopp. The DFB press service officially confirmed that negotiations with the famous former Liverpool coach have already begun.
Klopp himself had previously publicly expressed his willingness to lead the national team after the end of the World Cup, but emphasized that "this is not a part-time job". Now that the position is vacant, the question of his appointment moves to the stage of active negotiations. At the same time, another legend is leaving the German national team — goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who announced the end of his career in the national team.
