Klopp named Germany head coach on deal through 2030 as Japan turns to Oiwa and Guardiola rejects Italy

Klopp returns to management with Germany on four-year deal

Jürgen Klopp has been named head coach of Germany's men's national team, signing a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. The 59-year-old, who left Liverpool in 2024 and has served as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer since January 2025, was unveiled on July 24, 2026 by the German Football Association (DFB). The appointment follows Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after Germany exited the 2026 World Cup via a penalty-shootout defeat to Paraguay in the round of 32, a third consecutive disappointing major tournament for the four-time champions following group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.

Speaking at his unveiling, Klopp said the national team "can unite us Germans better than anything else," and warned that he would be prepared to leave without severance if the relationship with the media deteriorates. His contract begins on August 15, 2026.

DFB assembles coaching staff around new head coach

Klopp's backroom team includes former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, joined by former Germany international Sven Bender. Lijnders had recently departed Manchester City following Pep Guardiola's exit from the Premier League club. The DFB also confirmed that Per Mertesacker, who stepped down as Arsenal's academy manager at the end of last season, will become Germany's sporting director in January, replacing Andreas Rettig. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf described Klopp as embodying "passion, credibility and the ability to inspire people," while sporting director Rudi Völler praised his track record of developing young players and performing under pressure.

Klopp's Nations League debut set against Netherlands

Klopp's first match in charge will be a UEFA Nations League fixture against the Netherlands on September 24, 2026, followed by three further Nations League games across 11 days against Greece and Serbia in late September and early October. DFB officials held initial talks with Klopp in New York while he was working as a television analyst during the World Cup, and the two sides publicly confirmed agreement on essential contract terms on July 11, 2026 before the formal unveiling on July 24.

Japan turns to Go Oiwa after Moriyasu era

The Japan Football Association (JFA) confirmed on July 24, 2026 that Go Oiwa, 54, will become head coach of Japan's men's national team beginning with an international friendly next March, succeeding Hajime Moriyasu. The decision was taken at the JFA's board meeting in Tokyo, at which Oiwa was also confirmed as head coach of Japan's Under-21 side targeting qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Moriyasu, who led Japan at two World Cups including this year's tournament hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, will remain in charge through the next Asian Cup in January-February 2027. JFA President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto and Moriyasu are scheduled to hold a joint news conference following the announcement, and Oiwa is expected to prepare for the 2030 World Cup while maintaining the strategy adopted by his predecessor.

Guardiola declines Italy job as FIGC continues search

Pep Guardiola has turned down an offer from the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) to become Italy's head coach, according to reports on July 24, 2026, with the former Manchester City boss citing a desire to spend time with his family after a decade at the Etihad Stadium. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said on July 23, 2026 that the federation had also approached Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, and stressed there was no urgency to fill the post. "There's a sense of urgency, but there's no rush," Maldini said after meeting with Serie A clubs in Milan. The position has been vacant since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking the Azzurri's third consecutive absence from the tournament.