BERLIN — Joachim Loew is staying on as Germany coach through the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The German soccer federation said Tuesday that Loew "clearly told" federation president Reinhard Grindel that he will fulfil his contract, which runs until 2018.
Loew wouldn’t immediately give a clear commitment after Germany lost to France in the European Championship semifinals last week, but he was widely expected to stay.
Grindel and Loew dispelled any doubts in a telephone conversation Tuesday.
"I’m sticking to what I repeatedly stressed before and during the tournament: Jogi Loew is the best coach for this team," Grindel said. "He has our unrestricted confidence and we are sure of being able to play successful football with him at the helm in the future, too."
Loew, Germany’s coach since 2006, said "a few days of calm and detachment" had been necessary following the loss.
"For me it’s clear that, despite our disappointment, the team did not disappoint," Loew said. "It was the youngest team in the tournament. I still see great potential."
Germany will play a friendly against Finland in Moenchengladbach on Aug. 31 before opening its World Cup qualifying campaign against Norway in Oslo on Sept. 4. Its qualifying group also features the Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and San Marino.