German FA urge Julian Nagelsmann to resign after World Cup exit
Julian Nagelsmann is on the brink of leaving his post as manager of the Germany national team following crisis talks over their shock early exit from the 2026 World Cup.
The 38-year-old held a lengthy, three-and-a-half-hour meeting on Thursday morning with high-ranking German Football Association (DFB) officials, including president Bernd Neuendorf, sports director Rudi Völler, executive director Andreas Rettig, and Bundesliga association president Hans-Joachim Watzke.
During the summit, Nagelsmann provided his tactical assessment of Germany’s disappointing campaign, which ended with an embarrassing Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay.
The discussions were described as completely candid. It is understood DFB officials advised Nagelsmann that resigning would be the best option to protect his reputation, though sacking remains a distinct possibility if he refuses to step down. A final decision on his future is expected in the coming days.
Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has immediately emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Nagelsmann. Klopp, who is currently working as a pundit at the World Cup, took up a role as head of global football at the Red Bull Group earlier this year.
However, it is believed Klopp is highly receptive to taking the national team job and specifically insisted on a clause in his Red Bull contract allowing him to leave if the Germany position became available.
