Joachim Loew has extended his contract as Germany coach until 2018. The man who guided Die Mannschaft to 2014 FIFA World Cup glory was originally contracted until the conclusion of UEFA EURO 2016. However, Low has reached an agreement with the German Football Association (DFB) to extend that deal until after Russia 2018.

"I'm delighted that Joachim Loew's remaining as national team coach until the 2018 World Cup," said DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach in a statement. "With his competence, his ambition and with his commanding demeanour, Jogi does the national team and the DFB a great deal of good.

"We want to remain at the top of the world and that is the aim that we share. On the DFB's side, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure this country's footballers have the best possible conditions."

Loew took charge of Germany following Jurgen Klinsmann's decision to step down after the 2006 World Cup. He had worked as Klinsmann's assistant in the two years building up to that tournament and since becoming head coach, he has led Germany to the final of EURO 2008, as well as to the semi-finals of South Africa 2010 and EURO 2012.

"I've said many times that it's an incredibly big challenge and motivation for us all to confirm our success from Brazil," Low said. "Our young team have not reached the end of their development yet, and the same goes for the majority of our players.

"That is why I would like to thank the president Wolfgang Niersbach and general secretary Helmut Sandrock for the faith, support and the offer to extend our contracts prematurely."

In addition to extending Loew's contract, the DFB have also fitted out his assistants with new deals while extended general manager Oliver Bierfhoff's duties to include the project management of a new DFB academy.

Loew said: "Thomas Schneider, Andreas Kopke, Oliver Bierhoff and I have accepted this offer because we have great pleasure working with the players and the team behind the team. Together we want to continue along the path we are on. We still have a lot that we want to achieve."