Germany Coach: 'I Will Never Resign'
US - Championship dream shattered after losing to Paraguay in round of 16 of 2026 World Cup, but coach Julian Nagelsmann still wants to continue leading Germany.
"I am ready to continue if people want, if not, tell me straight," Nagelsmann told German TV channel MagentaTV at Foxborough stadium, after 3-4 loss to Paraguay in penalty shootout on June 29.
Currently, Nagelsmann's contract with German FA (DFB) runs until after Euro 2028.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann leaves pitch after Germany eliminated by Paraguay from 2026 World Cup, at Boston stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, US on June 29, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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This is third consecutive World Cup Germany missed round of 16, after stopping at group stage in 2018 and 2022. Question German media asks is how DFB will react to this next disaster, and whether they will remain patient with coach born in 1987.
"I am no runaway," Nagelsmann added on German TV ZDF. "Resignation will never happen."
Former coach of Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and Bayern took over national team hot seat from Hansi Flick in September 2023. Coincidentally, his first matches in October that year also took place during US tour, and Foxborough was where Nagelsmann had first training sessions in new role.
"We have excellent relationship, like friends. Nagelsmann is top-class coach," DFB Sports Director Rudi Voeller emphasized before match against Paraguay at headquarters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (US). But after match, time will tell if that statement still holds value.
Nagelsmann's ultimate goal is helping Germany win fifth world title, even if that ambition is judged unrealistic by experts and home media. At first major tournament as national team head coach two years ago, Euro 2024 at home, Nagelsmann and players stopped at quarterfinals with 1-2 loss in extra time to eventual champions Spain.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann gives instructions to players before penalty shootout of Germany – Paraguay match in round of 16 of 2026 World Cup at Boston stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, US on June 29, 2026. Photo: Reuters
German magazine Der Spiegel said DFB leadership, led by President Bernd Neuendorf, will hold internal meeting to dissect whether Nagelsmann is still right person to lead national team. In public eye, Jurgen Klopp is strongest candidate. 59-year-old coach works as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull group since leaving Liverpool in summer 2024.
Same magazine, after Germany - Paraguay match, commented specifically on Nagelsmann: "Past days, he seemed very stressed. Decision to choose Deniz Undav in starting lineup - option everyone demanded before - turned into failed gamble. Although giving more space to Florian Wirtz from second half helped Germany's play improve, ultimately, these were only patchwork tactical adjustments in few small details."
According to Der Spiegel, Germany's overall picture remains unstable, especially from personnel decision in Joshua Kimmich's position to approach to Paraguay match. "This disastrous defeat of former world champion is clearly linked to Nagelsmann's responsibility," newspaper emphasized.
Paraguay players and coaching staff celebrate after Germany – Paraguay match in round of 16 of 2026 World Cup at Boston stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, US on June 29, 2026. Photo: Reuters
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz encouraged team spirit. "Although this defeat is very painful, it was still great match. Through effort and teamwork at this World Cup, you greatly inspired country. We are proud of you," Chancellor's official account shared on social media platform X.
Germany's first match post-World Cup 2026 will take place on September 24, against Netherlands in Nations League. Remaining group opponents from now until end of year will be Greece and Serbia.
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