The German Football Association has appointed Jurgen Klopp as head coach of the national team, replacing Julian Nagelsmann after Germany’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The DFB confirmed the appointment on Friday, July 24, 2026.
Klopp, 59, returns to coaching for the first time since he left Liverpool in May 2024 following nine years at Anfield. He had worked since August 2024 as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football, overseeing operations at RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and Bragantino.
Klopp reportedly turned down Real Madrid before accepting the German job
The former Borussia Dortmund manager had rejected an offer to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid earlier this summer. He has now taken his first role in international football. Klopp said the national team holds a unique place in German football culture. “The national team brings us Germans together as almost nothing else can,” he said in a DFB statement.
Germany suffered its earliest World Cup exit since the tournament expanded to 48 teams
Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties in the Round of 32, marking the nation’s earliest World Cup elimination since the tournament grew to 48 teams. The result extended a difficult run at major tournaments that includes disappointing showings in 2018, 2022, and Euro 2024.
Nagelsmann resigned shortly after the defeat despite having signed a contract extension in January 2025 that was set to run through Euro 2028. The 39-year-old called the decision difficult. “The decision was anything but easy for me,” he said.
Per Mertesacker joins Klopp as the DFB’s new chief executive
Klopp will work alongside former Germany defender Per Mertesacker, who has been named DFB chief executive after leaving his post as Arsenal’s academy manager. The pairing gives the federation new leadership both on the technical side and at the executive level.
Germany has not passed the Round of 16 in its last three World Cups
Germany’s early elimination continues a decline from its 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil. The team has failed to advance beyond the Round of 16 in each of its last three World Cup appearances. The DFB is counting on Klopp’s record of rebuilding squads and developing young players to restore Germany’s standing before the next UEFA Nations League campaign and Euro 2028.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Germany’s new head coach?
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, has been appointed head coach of the Germany national team.
Why did Julian Nagelsmann leave the role?
Nagelsmann resigned after Germany suffered a Round of 32 exit at the 2026 World Cup, losing to Paraguay on penalties.
What was Klopp doing before this appointment?
Klopp served as Red Bull’s Head of Global Football from August 2024, overseeing the group’s clubs, including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, and Bragantino.
Did Klopp consider any other coaching jobs before joining Germany?
Yes. He reportedly turned down an offer to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid earlier in the summer.
Who else joined the DFB alongside Klopp?
Per Mertesacker was appointed DFB chief executive after leaving his role as Arsenal’s academy manager.