Nagelsmann resigns as Germany coach after World Cup penalty exit to Paraguay

Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany head coach, according to reports in Germany, days after Die Mannschaft were knocked out of the World Cup in the last 32 by Paraguay on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

The defeat was Germany’s first-ever shootout loss at a World Cup and ended any prospect of a last-16 meeting with France. It also brought a swift end to Nagelsmann’s tenure, which had been expected to run until Euro 2028.

Germany had navigated their group with wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, but looked unconvincing in a final group-stage loss to Ecuador. Questions had mounted over Nagelsmann’s decision to restore veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the starting lineup and to deploy Joshua Kimmich out of position at right back.

The 38-year-old, who was appointed in September 2023, had also overseen a quarter-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2024. Speaking after Monday’s loss to Paraguay, he had initially appeared reluctant to walk away. “I’m not one to run away,” he said. “If the DFB wants me to continue then I’ll continue and if they don’t want me to, then they can tell me that.” Despite those words, he has since decided to step down.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who has been working as a pundit at the tournament, immediately emerged as the frontrunner to succeed him. Klopp acknowledged the speculation after the Paraguay match but declined to engage with it directly. “I understand that when people talk about the national coach, my name is mentioned,” he said in quotes reported by Bild. “But it’s not the right moment to talk about it, especially not with me.”

Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season after nine years in charge and has not managed a club side since. His appointment would represent one of the most high-profile managerial moves in international football.