Klopp called a 'perfect fit' as Germany look to rebuild

Klopp told he is a 'perfect fit' for Germany

Jürgen Klopp has been told he would be "a perfect fit" as the next Germany manager (1). The former Liverpool boss is "more than recharged and ready" after his Anfield exit. Germany are coming off another early World Cup exit, failing to reach the quarter-finals in 2026. Klopp's appointment would be the biggest shake-up the national team has seen in years.

Spain face Belgium, semi-final path takes shape

Spain play Belgium in the WM 2026 quarter-final on Friday at 21:00 CEST (2). The winner faces France or Morocco in the semi-finals. Your team are already out, but Germany's conquerors watch on.

FIFA threatened Germany with World Cup expulsion, says Merk

Former referee Markus Merk claims FIFA threatened to ban Germany from the 2006 World Cup (3). The dispute centred on a red card the DFB sports court considered clearly wrong. "FIFA threatened: if you do this, and it wasn't just the DFB, but other federations too, your national team will be excluded from the next competition," Merk said. The incident adds fresh context to how FIFA has historically policed on-field decisions.

Fan-reaktioner

Germany's Round of 32 exit has not been forgotten. One fan mapped out exactly how every former World Cup winner has fallen at a different stage: Italy in qualifiers, Uruguay in the group, Germany in the Round of 32, Brazil in the Round of 16. The thread is half gallows humour, half a quiet acknowledgment that something deeper needs to change.