Klopp's Germany deal takes shape as Hummels backs him fully

World Cup runs through mid-July

The 2026 World Cup stretches from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States (1). Germany will play in the tournament, but after a round-of-32 exit, the focus has already shifted to what comes next.

Klopp deal taking shape

The basic points of Jurgen Klopp's contract to take over as Germany head coach are now settled, the DFB has confirmed. He inherits a squad still shaking off the disappointment of that early World Cup exit.

Mats Hummels is not hedging. "Bin felsenfest überzeugt," he told kicker, meaning he is absolutely convinced Klopp is the right man (3).

DFB snubs Infantino

The DFB took a deliberate political stance during the World Cup: no handshake, no photo, no formal greeting for FIFA president Gianni Infantino (2). A small gesture with a clear message about the federation's view of FIFA's leadership.

Müller's strange World Cup final backdrop

Thomas Müller is part of a peculiar scheduling quirk. While the World Cup final plays out, MLS and Liga MX carry on with regular-season matches (5). Players like Müller, Deniz Undav, Antoine Griezmann, Robert Lewandowski, and Lionel Messi are all at clubs in those leagues. If any of their teams have a fixture clash with the July 19 final, it sets up an absurd situation.

Gladbach back at work

Borussia Mönchengladbach held their first training session of the summer on Wednesday (4). Pre-season is underway.