Julian Nagelsmann has stepped down as Germany's head coach just days after the team's World Cup exit, a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay that ended the nation's hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.
The match, decided by spot‑kicks after a 1‑1 draw, marked the first time Germany had ever lost a World Cup knockout tie on penalties, a result that underscored a turbulent tournament for the German side.
It is the third consecutive World Cup in which the German national team has failed to reach the last‑16, a streak that has prompted intense scrutiny of the coaching staff and tactical approach.
DFB's decision and leadership response
German Football Association president Bernd Neuendorf confirmed that the organization would discuss the performance shortcomings that led to the early exit, adding that Nagelsmann's future had been under review since he took charge in September 2023.
Nagelsmann, who succeeded Hansi Flick, had guided Germany to the quarter‑finals of the 2024 European Championship, but the World Cup disappointment proved decisive. The coach had initially insisted he would not resign, only to accept the DFB's decision after a private meeting.
Veteran goalkeeper's farewell
Veteran shot‑stopper Manuel Neuer announced his retirement from international duty for the second time, bringing an end to a 16‑year career that yielded 128 caps and the 2014 World Cup title.
Neuer's decision follows a pattern of stepping away after major tournaments, and his departure signals a generational shift for a German side that is looking to rebuild after a series of under‑whelming campaigns.
The Athletic's Sebastian Stafford‑Bloor observed that Nagelsmann's credibility had taken a hit, noting that the coach's tactical experiments could not offset the team's lack of progress in key moments.
With a new contract extension signed in January 2025 still on the table, the DFB hopes to appoint a successor quickly and steer the national team back to contention in upcoming qualifiers and tournaments.