Julian Nagelsmann has ruled out stepping down as Germany head coach despite the nation's shock elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026, insisting he has no intention of walking away from the role.

Germany's campaign came to an abrupt end in the Round of 32, falling to Paraguay on penalties in Boston. It was a historic low — the first time Germany have ever been eliminated from a World Cup via a penalty shootout, the decisive miss coming when Jonathan Tah sent his kick soaring over the bar in a 4-3 defeat.

"I'm not someone who runs away"

Speaking after the loss, Nagelsmann made his intentions clear, acknowledging that the final decision rests with the German Football Association (DFB) but affirming his desire to carry on.

"This is no longer in my hands but I am ready if they want. If someone does not want this then they have to tell me. I want to continue."

"I'm not someone who runs away. I want to continue, but in football, you don't always have control over things. If the DFB wants it, then I will prepare for the European Championship and the Nations League."

Nagelsmann also reflected on the tournament's missed opportunities, expressing frustration that Germany were denied a Round of 16 clash with France.

"There was more possible in this tournament. We would have liked to measure ourselves against France in the round of 16. But as it is, it is just not good enough."

Eyes on future tournaments

While he defended the squad's collective spirit and argued that progress takes time, Nagelsmann acknowledged the result fell well short of expectations for a side of Germany's standing.

Several of Germany's senior players may no longer be at their peak when the next World Cup comes around in 2030. However, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are expected to enter that tournament in prime form, offering genuine cause for optimism.

Teenage prospect Lennart Karl, who missed FIFA World Cup 2026 through injury, is also set to be available and could form a key part of Germany's long-term rebuild.