The German Football Association (DFB) officially confirmed on Friday that Julian Nagelsmann is no longer the head coach of the national team, a widely anticipated move following Germany's shock exit to Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

The 38-year-old leaves the post three years into his tenure, well before the expiration of his contract, which was set to run until after the 2028 European Championship. The extension of his deal in January 2025 forced the DFB into tricky negotiations, and reportedly, Nagelsmann's departure will cost the association €7 million ($8 million), a tough sell for an organization only recently getting its finances in order.

Nagelsmann won 23 of his 37 games in charge of Germany, losing only eight times. Three of those defeats came against Spain, Portugal and France, but two also came at the 2026 World Cup against Ecuador and then Paraguay.

His exit marks another downturn in a coaching career once expected to reach the highest heights. Nagelsmann debuted at Hoffenheim, beat Bayern Munich, led RB Leipzig to a Champions League semifinal, and won the Bundesliga with Bayern. However, he was sacked by Bayern in March 2023.

In September 2023, he was appointed Germany head coach. Euro 2024, where the team reached the quarterfinals, was deemed a success. In January 2025, he extended his contract until 2028. But a disappointing Nations League campaign and a losing start to World Cup qualifying dampened the mood, culminating in the World Cup exit.

Nagelsmann's future is uncertain. A return to management in Germany seems unlikely, but he could reappear in the Premier League within six to ten months. His reputation has taken a significant hit after this latest failure.

Source: www.dw.com