Jürgen Klopp has reached an agreement in principle to become the new head coach of the Germany men's national team, following the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann after the team's early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The former Liverpool manager met with senior German Football Association (DFB) officials in New York on Friday, and while further talks are scheduled and an agreement with Red Bull—where Klopp has been head of global football since January 2025—is still pending, the appointment now appears imminent.
"DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and DFB Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Jürgen Klopp in New York regarding his potential appointment as national team coach," the DFB said in a statement. "During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. Talks will continue next week. Both sides are confident that the negotiations—subject to an agreement with Klopp's current employer, Red Bull—can ultimately be successfully concluded."
Klopp, 56, is expected to sign a four-year contract in what will be his first coaching role since ending a nine-year tenure at Liverpool in 2024 and his first foray into international management. He has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup.
Klopp's Stellar Coaching Résumé
Klopp led Liverpool to seven major honours, including the 2019–20 Premier League title and the 2019 Champions League. Before that, he guided Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga crowns and took Mainz 05 into the top flight during a seven-year spell. The close working relationship between Klopp and Watzke, forged at Dortmund, is seen as pivotal in accelerating the negotiations.
Germany Seek Revival After World Cup Flop
Germany were knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 32, losing to Paraguay on penalties—their latest below-par display at a major tournament. Since winning the 2014 World Cup under Joachim Löw, they failed to get beyond the group stage in 2018 and 2022, and their Euro 2024 run ended in the quarter-finals. Nagelsmann, who succeeded Hansi Flick in September 2023, stepped down after the Paraguay defeat, despite having a contract through to Euro 2028.
Klopp's appointment offers hope to a nation desperate to restore its footballing pride. The deal could be finalised once Red Bull releases him from his current role, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
