Germany reaches agreement on key points with Jürge...

By Bilal Ahmed — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

Klopp set to take over German national team

The German Football Association (DFB) has announced an agreement on the key points for Jürgen Klopp to become the next head coach of Germany. The 59-year-old is anticipated to sign a contract that would extend until 2030, succeeding Julian Nagelsmann in the role. This development follows initial in-depth discussions held in New York between DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, DFB vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke, and Klopp.

The DFB released a statement indicating that these constructive exchanges led to an agreement on the essential terms of a potential contract. Further talks are scheduled for the upcoming week. Both parties have expressed confidence that the negotiations can be successfully concluded, pending an agreement with Klopp’s current employer, Red Bull. Any final contract would require approval during a joint meeting involving the supervisory board and shareholders of DFB GmbH & Co. KG.

Reports from Sky in Germany suggest that a breakthrough occurred during negotiations in New York on Friday. Klopp is expected to formalise a contract that would run until the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup, with only the final details remaining to be resolved. The DFB is reportedly planning to announce the agreement on Saturday.

Transition from Red Bull and previous comments

Klopp’s departure from his position as head of global soccer for Red Bull Group is expected to be finalised with the company’s chief executive, Oliver Mintzlaff, in New York by early next week. His contract with Red Bull included a specific exit clause that would allow him to take on the Germany job. This would mark Klopp’s first coaching role since his departure from Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, where he achieved success by leading the club to both the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Since leaving Liverpool, Klopp has been working as a pundit for German television during the World Cup. During this period, he garnered attention for suggesting that Deniz Undav should start ahead of Jamal Musiala. Following criticism from figures such as Lothar Matthäus, Klopp commented, “Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team – for now.” This remark led to further criticism from former players like Andreas Möller and Stefan Effenberg, prompting Klopp to issue an apology, stating he felt like “punching himself in the face.”

He further clarified his comment, saying, “But it was already too late and I was on TV. It just slipped out so casually and has absolutely no meaning. What I know now is that I’ll be 59 the day after tomorrow and I’m still an idiot. We’re completely on your side. Nothing will be done to disrupt the process.”

Nagelsmann’s departure and Germany’s recent performance

The coaching change comes after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down from his role following Germany’s exit from the World Cup. Germany had topped their group with a game remaining but subsequently lost to Ecuador in their third match. Their tournament concluded with an elimination by Paraguay on penalties in the last 32. In the immediate aftermath of their exit, Nagelsmann expressed his desire to continue, stating, “I am not someone who runs away.” However, on 3 July, it was confirmed that the former Bayern manager would be stepping down.

The DFB’s statement confirmed that Nagelsmann’s contract, which was originally set to run until the 2028 Euros, would end immediately. The statement also noted that Klopp had “already indicated his fundamental readiness to take over the position.” Nagelsmann had been in charge of the German national team since September 2023, guiding the nation to the quarter-finals of the Euro 2024 tournament, where they were defeated by the eventual winners, Spain.

The DFB chiefs, including Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke, traveled to New York for discussions with Klopp and his agent, Marc Kosicke. Final negotiations with Red Bull are anticipated to be overseen by Watzke and Oliver Mintzlaff early next week in New York. This process is reportedly proceeding as planned, with official announcements expected once all matters are finalised.