German FA weighs Nagelsmann future after World Cup exit

German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf left Julian Nagelsmann's future as national coach unresolved as the federation began reviewing Germany's early World Cup exit after defeat by Paraguay, the DFB said on Tuesday.

Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann attends a press conference ahead of the group match against Curacao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Houston Stadium in Houston, the United States, June 13, 2026 (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

Neuendorf said he had held lengthy talks with Nagelsmann and the sporting leadership around Andreas Rettig and Rudi Voller after the "bitter defeat" and elimination at the tournament.

"We agree that the performance at the World Cup does not meet our standards," Neuendorf said, adding that the DFB would take the coming days to examine why the team had failed to show its potential and had not lived up to its expectations.

"We cannot and do not want to simply return to business as usual after such a setback with a view to the tasks ahead," Neuendorf said.

Four-time World Cup winner Germany lost 4-3 to Paraguay in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the World Cup round of 32.

Nagelsmann, whose contract runs until the UEFA Euro 2028, said after the match that he was ready for talks but understood the pressures around the job. "I am definitely not someone who runs away, but of course I know the mechanisms in football," he said. "I have a contract and am available, but in the end, I know how football works."

Nagelsmann took over from Hansi Flick in September 2023. Germany was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro 2024 by eventual champion Spain, then reached the Nations League final four for the first time but finished fourth. Monday's defeat marks a third consecutive premature World Cup departure for Germany.

Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been discussed as a leading candidate should the DFB seek a successor.

Germany's first match after the World Cup will be against the Netherlands on September 24 in the Nations League, with Greece and Serbia also in their group.