German Football Federation faces €9.4 million deficit after early World Cup exit

Germany’s national team were eliminated in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, losing to Paraguay on penalties. DFB treasurer Stephan Grunwald said the early exit leaves the German Football Federation (DFB) with a projected deficit of about €9.4 million, because player bonuses were only payable from the round of 16 onward and the budget had been planned on the assumption of reaching later stages.

The loss figure does not yet include one‑off items such as the severance package for former coach Julian Nagelsmann and his staff, estimated at €6.8 million, nor the potential salary or compensation to be paid to the hoped‑for successor Jürgen Klopp, who is still under contract with Red Bull. Grunwald added that the DFB’s overall budget is aimed at a break‑even result and can be scaled down if needed, with a final accounting expected in the autumn after the summer break.