Head coach Julian Nagelsmann vows to stay despite Germany’s painful World Cup exit

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has insisted he has no intention of stepping down despite his side’s shock elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the hands of Paraguay.

The four-time world champions suffered a dramatic Round of 32 exit after losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Foxborough. The defeat has intensified scrutiny on Nagelsmann, whose contract with the German Football Federation runs until the 2028 European Championship.

Speaking after the match, the 38-year-old made it clear that he wants to continue leading the national team.

“I’m not someone who runs away,” Nagelsmann said. “I want to continue, but in football you don’t always have it in your own hands. If the federation wants me to, then I will prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League.”

Germany’s defeat was particularly painful as it marked the first time in World Cup history that the country had lost a penalty shootout. Jonathan Tah’s miss proved decisive after Germany failed to convert three spot-kicks.

Speculation over Nagelsmann’s future has already begun, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp frequently linked with the Germany job. However, Klopp refused to discuss the possibility after the match, saying it was neither the right moment nor the right topic.

Midfielder Nadiem Amiri backed the team’s future despite the disappointment, pointing to emerging stars such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and teenager Lennart Karl as reasons for optimism ahead of future tournaments.

For now, however, Germany must come to terms with another painful World Cup exit. After group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, expectations were high for a deeper run in 2026. Instead, Paraguay’s disciplined performance and composure in the shootout have left Germany facing another period of reflection and uncertainty.