Julian Nagelsmann has a new assistant.

Julian Nagelsmann has a new, important assistant on his journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Former professional Benjamin Hübner will succeed Sandro Wagner as assistant coach of the national team. The German Football Association has confirmed this appointment, which has been publicly discussed for several days.

"I know Benni very well from our three years together in Hoffenheim. He was always a true team player, passionate about the team's success and putting his own interests aside," Nagelsmann said.

The replacement is necessary because Wagner, the current assistant coach, is leaving the German national team one year before his contract expires. The former striker is seeking a position as head coach and has recently been considered a candidate by several clubs, including FC Augsburg and RB Leipzig.

"It's a great honor to be able to work for the national team," said Hübner, who signed a contract until after the 2028 European Championship, the same term as his old, new boss. "I had my most successful time at Hoffenheim under Julian Nagelsmann; it had a strong impact on me as a player, but also on my later job as assistant coach," added Hübner.

Nagelsmann's new assistant comes from a football family. His father, Bruno Hübner, was a professional, as were his other sons, Christoph and Florian Hübner. Benjamin Hübner brings influence from TSG Hoffenheim back to the national team. The 35-year-old ended his career with the Bundesliga club from Kraichgau in 2022 due to injury and was Christian Ilzer's assistant coach last season.

Wagner will be in charge of the German national team for the last time at the Nations League Final Four. On June 4 (9:00 p.m./ZDF), the semifinal against Portugal will take place in Munich, followed four days later by the final, also at the Allianz Arena, or the match for third place in Stuttgart against Spain or France.

Hübner officially starts on July 1. His first international match alongside Nagelsmann is scheduled for September 4 in Bratislava against Slovakia, the start of the World Cup qualifiers. "So I'm really excited to be back on the pitch with the team in September, and of course, we're looking forward to next year's World Cup, for which we'll give our all," said the new assistant coach.

After the match against Northern Ireland in Cologne on September 7, Hübner will return to his old stomping ground in Sinsheim, where he will face Luxembourg, the third opponent in the World Cup qualifying round, on October 10.

Nagelsmann has Benjamin Glück as his assistant and close confidant, who advises him intensively. Hübner will continue to oversee the sporting aspects that were previously Wagner's responsibility.

"Even as a player, he thought strategically and was a leader on and off the pitch. Especially with these skills and his professional experience, he's an excellent addition to our coaching team," Nagelsmann said. Other assistant coaches are Mads Buttgereit, who is in charge of set pieces, and Andreas Kronenberg, who looks after the goalkeepers.