Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann turned disappointment into a fresh beginning, expressing aspirations to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Euro 2024 ended in tears for Germany, with players and the coach alike grappling with emotions, yet the tournament on home soil marked a successful restart after years of struggle.
Millions of global fans enjoyed a peaceful football celebration. While Euro 2024 didn’t quite match Germany’s famed 2006 World Cup “summer fairy-tale,” it came close. From a sporting perspective, Germany has reclaimed its place among the world’s elite teams.
Crucially, the team has regained the trust and confidence of its supporters, despite a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to resilient Spain in the quarterfinals, with the winning goal scored in injury time.
Competing on par with teams like Spain was unthinkable just months ago. Last November, after losses to Austria and Turkey and disappointing exits from the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the 2014 champions hit rock bottom.
Nagelsmann’s overhaul has sparked euphoria within the team and among supporters. Fan zones were packed, with some cities reporting gatherings of up to 80,000 people for matches, and German flags adorning cars and windows.
In just nine months, the 36-year-old former Bayern Munich coach, in collaboration with sporting director and former striker Rudi Voller, revitalized the squad. While the ultimate goal of winning the trophy was missed, the team has rekindled the passion of fans.
Nagelsmann and Voller departed from old norms, assembling a squad that may not have featured the most star-studded names but formed a cohesive and balanced team.
“We felt this unique sense of community. Thank you for that feeling. We triggered euphoria with fan-zones packed,” said striker Niclas Fullkrug.
Nagelsmann commended the team’s resilience and unwavering spirit, noting, “We witnessed a squad where everyone fought for each other.” Bayern Munich full-back Joshua Kimmich echoed this sentiment, highlighting that this tournament exit felt distinct from previous disappointments.
Looking ahead, Nagelsmann swiftly shifted focus to future challenges, including the Nations League and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Following the summer break, German football will resume at a heightened level, with upcoming matches against Hungary, the Netherlands, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Nations League. The weight of past setbacks appears to have dissipated.
