Even though we have just begun the 2026 World Cup cycle, DFB sporting director Rudi Völler has confirmed that he will leave the role after the tournament.
Völler had extended his contract in the role earlier this year until after the World Cup, but the former striker has now decided that will be enough for him. On the decision speaking to Bild, Völler said:
“For me, 2026 is obviously the end. I actually wanted to quit now.”
Völler has been in the role since February 2023 when he replaced Oliver Bierhoff after Germany’s disastrous exit from the World Cup in Qatar. Then after Hansi Flick’s dismissal as Germany’s head coach later that year, Völler once again managed Germany after a 19-year break as he led the team to a 2-1 win against France before Julian Nagelsmann was appointed as head coach.
In the same interview, Völler also confirmed that Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller and Ilkay Gündogan will be honoured in Germany’s next home game next month against the Netherlands at the Allianz Arena.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
