Julian Nagelsmann has left his role as Germany's head coach, with Jurgen Klopp set for talks with the German Football Federation (DFB) after indicating his willingness to take the job.

Following back-to-back group-stage exits at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Germany suffered another humiliating World Cup elimination on Monday.

They were beaten on penalties by Paraguay after their round-of-32 tie finished 1-1 after extra time, with Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah missing from the spot.

It was Germany's first-ever shoot-out defeat at the World Cup, having won each of their previous four, and their first at any major tournament (Euros/World Cup) since going down to Czechoslovakia in the final of Euro 1976.

Prior to the tournament, 31 places separated Germany (10th) and Paraguay (41st) in the FIFA World Rankings. That is the fourth-largest gap for a knockout tie where the lower-ranked side progressed since the first World Cup under the rankings system, in 1994.

Russia's win over Spain in 2018 (60 places) and South Korea's victories over Italy (34) and Spain (32) in 2002 are the only bigger knockout-stage upsets in World Cup history.

After Germany's loss, speculation immediately suggested that Nagelsmann was unlikely to continue, even if he initially outlined his determination to stay on.

And his exit was made official on Friday, as the 38-year-old said in a statement: "In recent days, following our exit, I have thought a great deal and spoken with trusted people in my personal circle and within the association. 

"This decision has not been an easy one for me at all. My primary objective has always been the success of the team. 

"After such a painful disappointment, the team deserves the opportunity for a true new start. 

"I would like to thank my coaching team, the staff, and everyone within the association who supported us, and in particular the players, with whom I was able to work in such a trusting manner. 

"A special thank you also goes to the fans. You carried us along, you believed in us, you gave us energy, even in difficult periods. 

"It deeply saddens me that we have disappointed you and that we were unable to give you more nights of football at this World Cup. You deserved far more."

Nagelsmann led Germany to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on home soil, where they initially impressed before losing to eventual winners Spain in extra time.

Jurgen Klopp has been touted as his most likely successor, having taken a break from coaching following his resignation from Liverpool in 2024.

And the DFB has already confirmed that Klopp is interested in the role, saying: "Alongside head coach Julian Nagelsmann, his two assistants, Benjamin Gluck and Benjamin Hubner, will also leave their roles. The DFB extends its sincere thanks for their commitment.

"Regarding the appointment of a successor, the DFB leadership will now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp, who has already indicated his general willingness to take on the role."

Klopp won the Premier League and Champions League trophies during his nine-year stint with Liverpool, in addition to the FA Cup, two EFL Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. 

He has served as the head of global football for the Red Bull Group since October 2024, though his contract is widely believed to have an exit clause specifically allowing him to take the Germany job.