Germany's 2026 World Cup Exit Puts Nagelsmann's Future in Doubt as Klopp Looms
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30
Germany's 2026 World Cup Exit Puts Nagelsmann's Future in Doubt as Klopp Looms
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 30
Summary
Germany's penalty-shootout loss to Paraguay in the last 32 has intensified pressure on Julian Nagelsmann, who refused to resign despite another early tournament exit.
Three straight World Cups have now ended early for Germany — group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, then a first knockout-round defeat in 2026 — deepening fears the four-time champions are slipping internationally.
Nagelsmann, 38, faces criticism over key calls including recalling 40-year-old Manuel Neuer, using Joshua Kimmich at right-back and leaning on older players such as Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka.
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the obvious alternative after impressing as a TV pundit during the tournament, though Nagelsmann is under contract until after Euro 2028 and a dismissal could be costly.
German media branded the defeat an embarrassment and called for consequences, while the wider debate has broadened beyond the coach to whether the DFB must again overhaul player development and coaching structures.