Julian Nagelsmann has committed to leading Germany’s national team until the end of Euro 2028, the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Friday.
Nagelsmann, who initially joined as coach in 2023 on a short-term deal for Euro 2024, said the tournament, hosted in Germany, inspired him to extend his tenure for both the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028.
“We are on the right path, but the journey is far from over. Our aim is to keep improving and win titles,” the 37-year-old stated in a release.
The contract extension was signed in Leipzig during celebrations marking the DFB’s 125-year anniversary. The former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig coach has now cemented his role through key tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup in North America and Euro 2028 in Britain and Ireland.
A Revival Under Nagelsmann
As Germany’s second-youngest men’s head coach, Nagelsmann inherited a team reeling from back-to-back group-stage exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and a last-16 defeat to England at Euro 2020. His predecessor, Hansi Flick, became the first German national team coach to be dismissed after the team’s poor showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite the challenges, Nagelsmann has overseen promising progress. Under his leadership, Germany showed resilience at Euro 2024, advancing past the group stages and narrowly losing to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals. Additionally, the team has reached the Nations League knockout phase for the first time and will face Italy in a two-legged quarter-final in March.
“Our goal was a successful tournament, but I didn’t fully grasp how deeply the national team resonates with Germany—how many hearts it touches and lives it impacts,” Nagelsmann reflected.
Club Success and National Ambitions
Nagelsmann’s coaching career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements. He became the youngest Bundesliga coach at 28 when he took over Hoffenheim in 2016. After a successful stint at RB Leipzig, he joined Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga in 2021-22 before his unexpected departure in March 2023.
Speculation about a potential return to club management after the 2026 World Cup has been quashed with this extension, delaying any potential move for Jurgen Klopp, who has been linked to the national team role following his exit from Liverpool.
Optimism for the Future
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf hailed Nagelsmann’s decision as a “significant signal” for the future of German football. With a blend of youthful energy and tactical acumen, Nagelsmann’s leadership is seen as pivotal to Germany’s hopes of reclaiming its position as a global football powerhouse.
As Germany gears up for the next phase, the coach’s focus remains steadfast: building a team capable of not just competing but dominating on the international stage.