Germany have confirmed the departure of Julian Nagelsmann after a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, bringing an early end to his spell in charge of the national side.
The German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday that Nagelsmann had stepped down despite having a contract until the end of Euro 2028.
The decision had been expected since Germany’s surprise elimination against Paraguay, which followed another damaging defeat to Ecuador during the tournament.
“This decision was anything but easy,” Nagelsmann said in a statement released by the DFB.
“My priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, the squad deserves a fresh start without any baggage.
“I also want to thank our supporters. You stood behind us through every moment. I am deeply sorry that we could not give you the World Cup you deserved.”
His assistants, Benjamin Glück and Benjamin Hübner, have also left their roles.
The DFB confirmed it has already opened discussions with Jürgen Klopp about becoming Germany’s next head coach.
Nagelsmann leaves after 37 matches in charge, recording 23 victories and eight defeats.
Although Germany produced encouraging displays during Euro 2024 on home soil, their progress quickly stalled.
The World Cup campaign exposed familiar weaknesses. Germany struggled to control matches, surrendered leads and failed to take chances in key moments.
Victories over lesser opposition offered little reassurance before defeats to Ecuador and Paraguay ended their hopes.
Players have faced criticism, but questions have also been raised over Nagelsmann’s tactical decisions, team selection and changing messages throughout the campaign.
Nagelsmann was once regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
He burst onto the scene with Hoffenheim, steering the club away from relegation before guiding them into the Champions League.
A successful spell at RB Leipzig followed, where he became the youngest coach to win a Champions League match and later reached the semi-finals.
Nagelsmann succeeded Hansi Flick as Germany manager later in 2023.
His early months included defeats to Turkey and Austria, but Germany improved significantly before Euro 2024.
The hosts reached the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by Spain after a controversial penalty decision.
His leadership during the tournament helped reconnect the national team with supporters and earned widespread praise.
That momentum convinced the DFB to extend his contract until 2028 in January 2025.
However, results soon declined.
Germany struggled in the Nations League Finals before making a poor start to World Cup qualifying.
Nagelsmann’s constant changes also attracted criticism.
Oliver Baumann was replaced after briefly becoming first-choice goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer’s return.
Joshua Kimmich switched between midfield and right-back, while Leon Goretzka and Deniz Undav found themselves moving in and out of the starting line-up.
The uncertainty appeared to carry into the World Cup, where Germany never found consistency.
Attention now turns to Klopp. The former Liverpool manager has long been linked with the Germany job and the DFB confirmed discussions have begun.
At just 38, he still has time to rebuild, but his next move will be watched closely after one of the toughest periods of his coaching career.
