Julian Nagelsmann vows 'to stay in charge' after Germany's World Cup collapse

Germany's campaign ended in dramatic fashion on Monday when Paraguay stunned the four-time world champions in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32. The defeat extended Germany's miserable run at the World Cup after earlier group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022.

Nagelsmann, who became Germany coach in 2023, had spoken confidently before the tournament about restoring the country's status by winning a fifth World Cup title. Instead, his team suffered another early exit, placing fresh uncertainty over his future.

Despite the setback, the 38-year-old made it clear that he wanted to stay in charge.

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

The Germany coach also stressed that he had no intention of stepping away from the challenge.

"I'm not someone who runs away," he said. "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 had guided Germany to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil, but his first World Cup in charge ended in disappointment after his players failed to deliver when it mattered most.

Germany, traditionally one of international football's strongest teams from the penalty spot, lost a World Cup shootout for the first time. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah all missed their penalties as Paraguay completed a famous victory, leaving Germany's supporters inside Boston Stadium and millions watching at home stunned.

The defeat also highlighted Germany's long wait to return to the top of world football. Since lifting their fourth World Cup trophy in 2014, they have failed to reach the final of any major international tournament.

Nagelsmann admitted his side had fallen well short of expectations.

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

READ MORE: Paraguay hold their nerve in penalty shootout to dump Germany out of World Cup