Rüdiger leaves international future open, backs Nagelsmann to stay as Germany coach

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·30 June 2026

Antonio Rüdiger has left it open whether he will represent Germany again following Monday’s World Cup round of 32 exit against Paraguay.

The 33-year-old Real Madrid centre-back said that he “of course” still has the desire to continue representing his country, but added:

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“Right now you’re emotional, you need a few days to think about it, and then we’ll see what happens.

“I’ll go on holiday now, I’ll have time to think about what I’ll do,” he told Kicker.

The shock elimination has led to head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s job being questioned, but Rüdiger hopes he will be allowed to continue his work.

“I would wish that for him, absolutely,” Rüdiger said.

“Let me say this clearly: he is a top coach, we should be grateful to have a coach like him. This is on us players.”