Germany Wiretap

Jurgen Klopp has agreed in principle to become Germany's next national team coach, agreeing to terms with the German Football Association on a contract running through 2030. The deal would cover the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup.

Klopp, 59, will replace Julian Nagelsmann, who stepped down following Germany's round-of-32 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay at the World Cup. He has served as Red Bull's global head of soccer since January 2025.

A full agreement is expected to be finalized early next week, following meetings in the United States with Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff regarding Klopp's departure from the organization.

A DFB spokesperson detailed the progress of negotiations in a statement.

"DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Jurgen Klopp yesterday in New York regarding his potential appointment as national team coach," said the spokesperson. "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."

Pep Lijnders, who worked as Klopp's assistant at Liverpool, has also agreed to join the new coaching staff. Germany's first match under the new regime will come against the Netherlands in the Nations League on September 24 in Amsterdam.

Klopp addressed the talks directly while speaking to German broadcaster Magenta.

"Yes, I can confirm the talks," said Klopp. "Things moved pretty quickly. Julian stepped down. The DFB are looking for a successor. And they're talking to me. I need to talk to Oliver Mintzlaff. He's my employer. We've already texted things. I assume he's not in the way. I was there for 19 months. It was an intense time. Ideally, there are only winners in the end. Red Bull must come out of the number clean."

Klopp has been out of club management since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season. During his nine years at Anfield, he led the club to its first Premier League title in 30 years in 2019-20 and its first Champions League title in 14 years the previous season, along with an FA Cup and two League Cup titles.

The Germany post marks Klopp's first role in international management. Nagelsmann's tenure lasted just under three years and included a quarterfinal exit at the 2024 European Championship.

Jurgen Klopp and the German Football Association will resume negotiations this weekend as talks continue over his potential appointment as national team head coach, according to sources.

Klopp has signaled willingness to replace Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned following Germany's round of 32 World Cup exit against Paraguay. No formal agreement has been reached.

The 59-year-old currently works as a pundit for German streaming service Magenta TV during the tournament and will step away from those duties to meet DFB officials in New York.

Pep Lijnders, Klopp's former assistant at Liverpool, has provisionally agreed to join as his No. 2 once terms are finalized. The DFB must also negotiate a compensation package with Red Bull, where Klopp serves as Global Head of Soccer.

DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed optimism about reaching an agreement while cautioning that talks remain unresolved.

"This is not a done deal yet," said Watzke. "There are still hurdles to overcome. Especially considering that he has a contract at RB. I'm a bit more skeptical than others.

"I'm convinced the chances are higher than 50 percent, but that doesn't mean it's 100 percent. Jurgen is our plan A and we want to implement our plan A."

Watzke added that he expects Klopp to accept somewhat reduced terms given his connection to the national program.

"There are problems to be solved," said Watzke. "Jurgen's willingness to solve these problems is a significant help. Of course, we have our limits. I expect a slight patriotism discount from Jurgen in particular. I know that he loves Germany."

Germany's soccer program has faced widespread scrutiny following a third consecutive major tournament exit, with observers calling for structural changes beyond simply hiring a new coach.

Klopp has spoken publicly about the need for broader reform within the national setup, extending beyond tactics into talent development and playing identity.

Julian Nagelsmann has left his post as Germany head coach after a shock World Cup round of 32 elimination against Paraguay, with the German Football Association already pursuing Jurgen Klopp as his successor.

The German Football Association confirmed the departure in a statement, thanking Nagelsmann for his tenure since September 2023.

Germany fell 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay, marking a third consecutive early World Cup exit for the national team. The squad also failed to escape the group stage in both 2018 and 2022.

"The German Football Association expressly thanks Julian Nagelsmann for his work since September 2023. He is characterized by a high level of commitment and extraordinary ambition," said DFB president Bernd Neuendorf.

The federation confirmed it will now approach Klopp about taking over the national team.

"Regarding the appointment of a new coach, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp," the statement read. "He has already signaled his general willingness to take on the position."

Nagelsmann took charge of Germany in 2023, succeeding Hansi Flick and becoming the nation's second-youngest head coach at age 36. The former Bayern Munich manager guided Germany to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals before this year's early World Cup exit.

He had signed a contract extension through Euro 2028 in January 2025, a deal now cut short by his departure from the role.

Klopp serves as the Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull after exiting Liverpool in 2024.

Paraguay eliminated four-time World Cup champion Germany in a penalty shootout Monday following a 1-1 draw in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah each missed from the spot as Germany fell in the round of 32.

Jose Canale converted the decisive penalty in sudden death after Germany squandered three attempts. Paraguay had missed two of its own penalties before Canale delivered the winner.

Germany held a 1.49 to 0.42 advantage in expected goals but could not convert that dominance into a victory. The result marked Germany's first-ever penalty shootout defeat at a World Cup.

Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead three minutes before halftime, heading in a Miguel Almiron cross against the run of play. Havertz equalized in the 54th minute, redirecting a Florian Wirtz delivery with a near-post header. In extra time, Tah had a goal disallowed by VAR following a foul call on goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Germany's roster ranked fifth in overall squad value among the 48 World Cup nations entering the tournament per Transfermarkt, while Paraguay checked in at 30th.

"We had very big plans for this World Cup. It's very difficult to disappoint again," said Havertz. "It was difficult to create chances and keep the pace."

Gill was central to Paraguay's victory, stopping two penalties and making several critical saves in extra time.

"We had to analyze every player, every detail. Thanks to that I was able to only miss two penalties," said Gill. "This is for all the people of Paraguay."

Paraguay advances to face the France-Sweden winner on July 4 in Philadelphia.

Ecuador rallied for a 2-1 victory over Germany on Thursday, with Gonzalo Plata's 77th-minute goal sending the South Americans into the World Cup knockout stage.

Germany, who had already clinched first place in Group E, took an early lead through Leroy Sane's second-minute strike. Nilson Angulo equalized for Ecuador in the ninth minute, beating goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the far post after Felix Nmecha lost possession in midfield. Ecuador finished with a 1.27-to-0.65 edge in expected goals.

Plata, who had taken a kick to the head during Germany's opening goal, scored the winner after Pedro Vite's corner was headed on by Kevin Rodriguez. Plata toe-poked the ball past Neuer just as the 40-year-old goalkeeper appeared set to gather it.

The result snapped Germany's winning streak at 11 matches, one short of the team's all-time record. Neuer has now conceded more goals at the tournament than he has made saves, and Germany have allowed a goal in nine consecutive World Cup matches, tying their longest such stretch in tournament history.

The win marked Ecuador's first victory over UEFA opposition in any competition since 2013. The team finished third in Group E with four points and is guaranteed advancement as one of the eight best third-place finishers, reaching the knockout stage for just the second time and the first since 2006.

A crowd of 80,663 at MetLife Stadium pushed total World Cup attendance to a record 3,605,357, surpassing the previous mark set across 52 matches at the 1994 tournament in the United States.

Germany will play their round of 32 match Monday in Foxborough, Massachusetts, likely against Paraguay, Australia or Sweden.

Substitute Deniz Undav scored twice after entering in the second half, lifting Germany to a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday and securing a spot in the knockout phase for the first time since 2014.

Undav's first goal came in the 68th minute, slamming home a long ball from fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri after Kai Havertz failed to control it. Both Amiri and Undav had entered the match just eight minutes earlier. Germany finished with a 1.89-to-1.22 edge in xG (expected goals).

Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie had given his team the lead in the 30th minute at BMO Field in Toronto, slotting home a rebound after Yan Diomande's cross was blocked. Germany had two earlier goals disallowed in the first half, one for a foul on the buildup and another after an illegal challenge negated an own goal.

"It's important that everyone sees that even the players from the bench can decide games," said Undav, who also scored in Germany's 7-1 opening victory over Curacao. "Now we have a really important signal to the team. I think that's very important in a game like this."

"Deniz is nobody who needs to be prepared," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. "He can jump in right away."

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made his 21st World Cup appearance, surpassing France's Hugo Lloris for the most games played by a goalkeeper in tournament history. Germany also lost defender Nico Schlotterbeck to an apparent injury at halftime.

"We have to wait for the scans but it doesn't look good," said Nagelsmann.

Germany, four-time champions, join co-hosts Mexico and the United States in advancing to the last 32. Ivory Coast can still qualify and face Curacao next, while Germany meet Ecuador, both matches Thursday.

Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany defeated World Cup first-timer Curacao 7-1 on Sunday in Group E, posting a 4.22 to 0.41 advantage in expected goals.

Felix Nmecha opened the scoring in the sixth minute, one-timing a pass from Florian Wirtz into the near post. Curacao equalized in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia struck through traffic from the center of the box, marking the small Caribbean nation's first-ever World Cup goal.

Germany retook the lead in the 38th minute on a header from Nico Schlotterbeck off a corner kick from Nathaniel Brown. Havertz then converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Nmecha was fouled in the box, making it 3-1 at the break.

The four-time champions extended their advantage quickly in the second half. Jamal Musiala scored in the 47th minute with a right-footed shot across the goalkeeper's area. Brown added a goal in the 68th minute, and Deniz Undav, who had assisted on Brown's goal, scored in the 78th. Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute.

The result fell short of the World Cup record margin of nine goals, achieved three times, most recently when Hungary defeated El Salvador 10-1 in 1982.

Germany is seeking to bounce back after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 following its 2014 title. The match also featured the largest coaching age gap in World Cup history, pitting 78-year-old Curacao manager Dick Advocaat, the oldest coach in tournament history, against 38-year-old Julian Nagelsmann, the youngest in this year's field.

Curacao entered the World Cup with a collective roster valuation of $29.65 million compared to $1.148 billion for Germany.

Manuel Neuer made his first appearance for Germany in nearly two years after coming out of international retirement, recording one save. The match drew a crowd of 68,021.

Germany next faces Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday, while Curacao plays Ecuador in Kansas City the same day. Germany have a 99 percent probability of advancing to the knockout stage, according to the latest World Cup odds.

Germany midfielder Lennart Karl, 18, will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a torn muscle in training Friday, the German Football Association confirmed. RB Leipzig's Assan Ouedraogo, 20, will replace him in the squad.

The injury occurred during Germany's final training session before Saturday's pre-tournament friendly against the United States in Chicago.

"Unfortunately Lenni injured himself today in training. We need to wait on what happens with that and to be honest, it didn't look so good," said coach Julian Nagelsmann.

World Cup rules permit Germany to call up a replacement in cases of serious injury or illness until 24 hours before their tournament opener against Curacao on June 14.

Karl had emerged as one of the standout young players in any World Cup squad following a strong season at Bayern Munich, where he became the club's youngest goal-scorer in Champions League history. He scored nine goals for Bayern last season and made his Germany debut in March, earning three caps including a starting role in last week's 4-0 victory over Finland.

Nagelsmann also confirmed Friday that 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not feature against the United States due to a calf injury sustained at Bayern last month. Neuer, who retired from international football after Euro 2024 before accepting a recall last month, would enter the World Cup without having played for Germany in nearly two years. Oliver Baumann remains the team's first-choice goalkeeper.

France enters the 2026 World Cup with the most valuable roster in the tournament at $1.76 billion, according to squad valuation data from Transfermarkt, with England ($1.507 billion) and Spain ($1.449 billion) ranked second and third.

Portugal, Germany, and Brazil round out the six nations surpassing the $1 billion threshold in total squad value.

Spain's Lamine Yamal and Norway's Erling Haaland share the top individual valuation at $238 million. Haaland alone accounts for roughly 33 percent of Norway's total $691 million squad value. Kylian Mbappe ranks third among individual players and leads France's roster.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ranks seventh among individual players but will not appear in the tournament after Georgia failed to qualify.

2026 World Cup Squad Valuations

1. France: $1.760 billion
2. England: $1.507 billion
3. Spain: $1.449 billion
4. Portugal: $1.173 billion
5. Germany: $1.148 billion
6. Brazil: $1.049 billion
7. Netherlands: $962.78 million
8. Argentina: $940.13 million
9. Norway: $691.15 million
10. Belgium: $624.34 million
11. Ivory Coast: $610.54 million
12. Morocco: $561.43 million
13. Senegal: $543.84 million
14. Turkiye: $543.61 million
15. Sweden: $492.18 million
16. Uruguay: $466.10 million
17. Croatia: $448.16 million
18. United States: $438.90 million
19. Ecuador: $432.63 million
20. Switzerland: $382.49 million
21. Colombia: $350.46 million
22.Japan: $320.74 million
23. Algeria: $295.44 million
24. Austria: $278.53 million
25. Ghana: $269.50 million
26. Canada: $226.15 million
27. Mexico: $220.63 million
28. Czechia: $216.41 million
29. Scotland: $195.79 million
30. Paraguay: $176.70 million
31. Bosnia-Herzegovina: $174.34 million
32. DR Congo: $165.49 million
33. South Korea: $159.91 million
34. Egypt: $133.95 million
35. Uzbekistan: $98.13 million
36. Australia: $89.07 million
37. Tunisia: $80.44 million
38. Haiti: $64.29 million
39. Cape Verde: $62.68 million
40. South Africa: $56.64 million
41. Saudi Arabia: $46.78 million
42. Panama: $39.73 million
43. New Zealand: $39.50 million
44. Iran: $36.86 million
45. Curacao: $29.65 million
46. Iraq: $24.38 million
47. Jordan: $23.58 million
48. Qatar: $22.92 million

Florian Wirtz produced what he called his finest international performance Friday, contributing to all four goals in Germany's 4-3 friendly victory over Switzerland in Basel. The 22-year-old Liverpool forward scored twice and recorded two assists in a result that offered encouragement to a German side still working through considerable uncertainty ahead of the summer World Cup.

His opening goal arrived from a corner on the left, a curling right-footed delivery that swerved over the defense, cleared the goalkeeper's reach and clipped the crossbar before settling in the net.

"I'd be lying if I said I meant it to go exactly there," Wirtz said after the match, "but I'll take it."

His second strike, an intentional finish into the top corner from the edge of the box, was less ambiguous. His two assists included a far-post delivery that found Jonathan Tah's head and a precise through ball that Serge Gnabry lifted over Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

"That was probably my best international match," Wirtz said.

The result was encouraging given the broader questions surrounding Germany. The squad enters the World Cup without Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan and Thomas Muller, all retired after Euro 2024. Germany has not faced a major tournament without that group since Euro 2008. Jamal Musiala's fitness remains a concern, with coach Julian Nagelsmann noting this week that "time is running out" for the injured playmaker.

Defensive vulnerability also surfaced Friday. Switzerland converted three times, exposing a backline that will need to tighten considerably. Germany has been eliminated at the group stage of the past two World Cups.

At club level, Wirtz's debut season at Liverpool following his £116 million ($154 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen has been uneven. His role has shifted repeatedly under coach Arne Slot between a central No. 10 position and wider assignments.

For Germany, however, the picture is notably clearer. Wirtz has established himself as the team's creative anchor, and Friday's display reinforced that standing ahead of a tournament where his country desperately needs a reliable focal point.