Joachim Low plans to lead Germany to 2018 World Cup in Russia

Low, who brought World Cup glory to the Germans in 2014, was considering his position after a Euro 2016 semi-final defeat to host nation France, but after speaking with DFB president Reinhard Grindel on Tuesday he has decided to see out his existing contract, which has two years still to run.

"We were all obviously disappointed after the semi-final, the weeks before and during the tournament were good," Low said on dfb.de.

"Despite our disappointment the team did not disappoint, we were the youngest team in the tournament.

"I see still great potential, I am sure they will give us much pleasure.

"My ambition still remains high and that is to work with those players and to develop them with a view to the 2018 World Cup in Russia."

Grindel added: "For us it was a matter of respect to let the national coach, after such an intense tournament, have a few days of rest to analyse the events, but we never had a doubt that he would continue.

"We would like to continue with determination and seek to defend the title at the 2018 World Cup as a large, common goal.

"I stick with what I have repeatedly stressed during the tournament, Jogi Low is the best coach for this team. He has our full confidence."

Germany begin their defence of the World Cup with a qualifying group that contains the Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Norway, Azerbaijan and San Marino.