The World Cup’s managerial bloodbath: Koeman Out, Nagelsmann almost out – Klopp in?

Last Updated on 3 July 2026

Every World Cup claims its managers. This one has been particularly ruthless. Within days of the Round of 32 concluding, one of Europe’s most celebrated coaches has resigned and another is on the brink of dismissal.

And hovering over both stories, with the awkward omnipresence that only Jurgen Klopp can achieve, is the man who spent World Cup 2026 criticising the now-embattled Germany boss from a television studio.

Will Klopp take the Germany job? It’s looking very likely.

Nagelsmann teeters, Koeman walks and Germany face a reckoning

Ronald Koeman announced his resignation as Netherlands head coach hours after the Oranje were knocked out on penalties by Morocco in the Round of 32. It was, in hindsight, the only possible conclusion.

Koeman was criticised for setting up with five defenders in a formation that even Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said he was “taken aback” by, and under his second tenure the Dutch had failed to beat a single top-25 ranked side: losing eight and drawing six.

His defence was characteristic: “If Morocco hadn’t equalised, there would be all sorts of compliments. Now I’m going to be scolded.” He resigned anyway.

Germany’s situation is messier. After a campaign that ended on penalties to Paraguay, a side ranked 31 places below them, Nagelsmann cancelled a scheduled press conference, held an in-depth discussion with DFB officials, and is now reportedly on the verge of the sack.

He is technically under contract until 2028, but the nature of the exit: Germany’s first penalty shootout defeat in World Cup history, a third consecutive tournament without reaching the last 16 since lifting the trophy in 2014, has sparked a fierce national debate.

Nagelsmann himself said at full time: “I’m available. If the DFB want me to stay until 2028, I will.” That is not the statement of a man who feels secure.

Klopp’s slip, his apology and why he is still the inevitable answer

The subplot that ran underneath Germany’s entire campaign began before it had even kicked off. During the build-up to Germany’s opener against Curacao, Klopp, working as a pundit for MagentaTV, via NY Times, remarked: “Luckily, Julian Nagelsmann is still picking the team.”

The word “still” detonated immediately. Germany legend Lothar Matthaus said Klopp “doesn’t exactly make Nagelsmann’s job any easier” and questioned what Klopp would have said if someone had advised him to drop a regular starter before a Champions League match.

After Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao, Klopp apologised on air. “I’ve already found the most hated word of the year: still, I could have punched myself in the face for that, but it was already too late and I was on TV. What I’ve realised is that I’ll be 59 soon and I’m still an idiot.”

Nagelsmann laughed and exchanged high-fives. Then Germany lost to Paraguay and suddenly the word “still” felt prophetic. Klopp is now the primary candidate to succeed Nagelsmann, and said he views managing at a World Cup as one of his remaining ambitions.

The DFB has tried to appoint him twice before,, and been rejected both times. When asked directly about the job in Boston, Klopp was careful: “I haven’t thought about that yet. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it’s not a part-time job.”

The door is not open. But it is considerably less closed than it was three weeks ago and Germany’s need has rarely been more obvious.