Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear he will not step down as Germany’s head coach despite the team’s stunning elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Germans crashed out in the Round of 32 after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in Boston—marking the first time Germany have ever lost a World Cup penalty shootout, with Jonathan Tah blasting his decisive spot-kick over the bar.
But Nagelsmann insists he is committed to the project. “I’m not someone who runs away,” he declared. “I want to continue, but in football, you don’t always have control over things. If the DFB (German Football Association) wants it, then I will prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League.”
He acknowledged that the team underperformed, saying, “There was more possible. We would have liked to measure ourselves against France in the round of 16. But as it is, it’s just not good enough.”
Nagelsmann defended the squad’s cohesion and stressed that development takes time, adding that he still believes they can play “much better football.” However, he admitted his fate is no longer entirely in his hands: “This is no longer in my hands, but I am ready if they want. If someone does not want this, then they have to tell me.”
While several core players may not feature in the 2030 World Cup, Nagelsmann can look to a promising future with Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz entering their prime years. Highly-rated teenager Lennart Karl, who missed the tournament through injury, is also expected to return to the fold.
For now, the 38-year-old awaits the DFB’s decision—but his message is unmistakable: he is not walking away.
