Julian Nagelsmann has resigned as Germany manager after his side crashed out of the 2026 World Cup to Paraguay in the Round of 32.
Nagelsmann was appointed as the Germany manager in September 2023 following the dismissal of Hansi Flick, and there was an overarching sense that the 38-year-old could overturn their run of form at major tournaments.
While Nagelsmann oversaw a decent run that led Germany to the World Cup, an inability to surpass the Round of 32 against Paraguay -- who haven't played at the major tournament since 2010 -- is inexcusable.
The former Bayern Munich boss had been contracted with the German national team until the end of the 2028 Euros campaign, but opted to walk away with the hunt for his successor already underway.
We've take a look at the contenders to replace Nagelsmann in the hot seat.
Jurgen Klopp
While Jurgen Klopp seems content in his role as the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, he's previously refused to rule out a return to management.
Klopp vowed to turn Liverpool supporters from doubters to believers when joining the club in 2015, and it's fair to say that he did just that. Ending the club's 30-year top-flight trophy drought, 14-year wait for UEFA Champions League glory and adding multiple domestic honours, the German left the club in 2024 after admitting that he was "running out of energy".
Of course, Klopp's style of play relies on energy and intensity and so it make sense as to why he left the Anfield hotseat, but he's closing in on two years out of management and may soon be seeking a return.
If there is any job that could lure him back into the managerial scene, you'd suspect it would be that of the German national team.
Sebastian Hoeneß
Sebastian Hoeneß has enjoyed a fruitful start to life in management at club level, but the Germany job would surely prove hard to turn down if the DFB came calling.
Hoeneß's philosophy has been likened to that of Klopp's, prioritising aggressive and quick transitions. With that said, his setup is arguably tailored more so to the modern game, opting for a more controlled style of chaos that sees his team have more of the ball.
He led Stuttgart to a remarkable second place finish in his first full season in charge in 2023/24 and steered them back to the UEFA Champions League with a fourth place finish in 2025/26.
It's yet to be seen as to whether Germany view Hoeneß as a candidate to succeed Nagelsmann, but he's undoubtedly one of the highest rated German managers and can't be ruled out.
Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler is amongst the well-regarded German managers who have enjoyed success in the early stages of their career.
There was obvious scepticism when Hurzeler joined Premier League outfit Brighton at just 31-years-old, but he's adapted seamlessly on the south coast and was rewarded with a contact extension in May 2026.
Similarly to Hoeneß, it's yet to be seen as to whether Hurzeler would be willing to abandon a promising project to make the transition into international football.
It is, however, worth noting that Hurzeler has overseen assistant manager roles with Germany U20s and Germany U18s and so he's evidently highly regarded by the German Football Association. Could he be in line to replace Nagelsmann?
