Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has resigned following his team’s shock last-32 exit from the World Cup at the hands of Paraguay, several media reported on Friday.
Nagelsmann, who was under contract until the 2028 European Championship, has accepted the German Football Federation’s (DFB) request for him to step down, Bild and Sky Germany reported.
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His departure leaves the door open for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is believed to be the federation’s preferred candidate to take over.
Klopp, who left Liverpool in 2024 after a hugely successful stay during which he won the Champions League and Premier League, is currently Red Bull’s global head of football but reportedly has a release clause that would allow him to take the Germany job.
The 59-year-old remains hugely popular in Germany and has been engaged as a pundit on German TV throughout coverage of the World Cup.
Nagelsmann took part in a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday in which he was reportedly offered a seven million euro (A$11.5 million) severance package, approximately one year’s salary, to leave the position.
If his departure is confirmed, 38-year-old Nagelsmann would become just the second national coach in German history to be sacked after predecessor Hansi Flick suffered the same fate in 2023.
Germany crashed out in a penalty shootout to Paraguay in Boston on Monday after the match ended 1-1 at the end of extra time. It was the first time the Germans had lost on penalties a World Cup.
The four-time World Cup winners suffered exits at the group stage at Russia 2018 and in Qatar four years ago. The Germans have not won a knockout match or kept a clean sheet at the tournament since the 2014 final, won 1-0 over Argentina in Brazil.
White House fury at USA blow
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday his country’s World Cup team had been “screwed” and called for an appeal after star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Washington’s top diplomat tackled the sporting controversy a day after Balogun was given a red card in the 2-0 US win. Balogun is now set to miss his side’s last-16 showdown with Belgium.
“It was great. They got screwed with that red card,” Rubio told reporters during a brief appearance in the White House briefing room when asked how the co-hosts were doing in the tournament.
“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that, right?” added Rubio, who was leading a group of people on a tour.
While he weighed in on the World Cup, US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic pointman declined to answer questions on Lebanon and Iran.
“Guys I’m not here to talk about the news,” Rubio added.
USA bounce Bosnia to continue run | 01:01
According to FIFA regulations, Balogun is automatically suspended for his team’s next match, and the suspension cannot be appealed, a spokesman for the governing body told journalists on Wednesday.
In the 64th minute of Wednesday’s knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was controversially judged after a VAR review to have stamped on the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot.
USA’s Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino said after the match that Balogun — who scored the US opener in Wednesday’s game — should “never” have received a red card.
Pochettino said it “should be fair” to appeal the decision, but said he would have to consider “different options” if it is not.
Balogun — who was born in New York but raised in England and now plays for French club Monaco — has scored three times for the USA this World Cup and his loss will be a major blow.
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Cape Verde head coach Bubista said a showdown against Argentina and Lionel Messi will be the “match of our lives” but said they will not fear the defending World Cup champions in Friday’s last 32 clash.
The African archipelago of just over 500,000 people have progressed to the knockout stages in their first ever World Cup after drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Cape Verde in the group stages.
“We are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about,” Bubista told his pre-match press conference.
“We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best.” Argentina are among the favourites to retain their title and secure a fourth World Cup crown after Messi scored six times in three dominant group stage wins.
However, Bubista said his side will not be intimidated by facing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and the side ranked first in the world.
“There is no other thought in our minds than trying to advance past this round,” he added.
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Spain impress with dominant Austria win | 00:59
TEEN STAR’S WORLD CUP STATEMENT
Spain star Lamine Yamal said Thursday he was delighted with his team’s performance in their 3-0 win in the World Cup last 32 against Austria — but admitted he would have liked to score.
“I was just missing a goal or an assist,” said the 18-year-old Barcelona sensation, who was named man of the match.
“But as long as we win and advance to the next round, that’s what matters,” he told journalists in Los Angeles.
Pressed by one reporter on why he seemed glum after a World Cup knockout win, Yamal insisted he was happy inside, even if he didn’t show it outwardly.
“I really am happy. That match is over, and now we have to think about the next one,” he said.
“I’m very grateful for the affection shown to me in every stadium. It helps me step onto the pitch more motivated,” he added.
Yamal, who will turn 19 on July 13, reiterated that his dream is to be a World Cup winner at the final in New Jersey on July 19.
“There’s nothing better than the World Cup,” he said.
“When a kid dreams about football, they dream of playing in the World Cup. I want to advance through the rounds and win with Spain.” He added: “We aren’t afraid of any team. We are Spain. We have to prove it on the pitch.”
Yamal did briefly break into a smile when one journalist showed him a video of his three-year-old brother celebrating the victory in the Los Angeles stands.
“It moves me to see my brother, my mother and my friends happy… My brother is like a son to me. I adore him,” he said The comfortable win Thursday was also a fourth straight clean sheet for Spain, who are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup.
“Today we came close to perfection from the 20th minute until the end of the match,” said goalkeeper Unai Simon.
“We have to keep maintaining that level to keep advancing through the stages,” he said.
Asked whether he would prefer to face Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16 in Dallas on Monday, Simon declined to pick.
“Whenever we’ve played against either Portugal or Spain, they’ve made things incredibly difficult for us — in general play, in pressing and in set pieces,” he said.
“Both teams have players with spectacular set-piece delivery — I wouldn’t want to face either of them,” he admitted.
Portugal and Croatia were meeting in the round of 32 later on Thursday.