Manuel Neuer has reversed his international retirement and will return as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that the Bayern Munich veteran is expected to start the tournament as Germany’s number one.
Manuel Neuer has reversed his international retirement and will return as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. National team coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that the Bayern Munich veteran is expected to start the tournament as Germany’s number one.
The 40-year-old last played for his country during the Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat against Spain. Following that tournament, Neuer announced the end of his international career after earning 124 caps and helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Nagelsmann explained that Neuer’s presence remains hugely valuable because of both his quality and leadership. The Germany manager said there was no doubt about the role Neuer would have in the squad heading into the competition in North America.
Neuer’s return follows another strong season with Bayern Munich, where he helped the club secure the Bundesliga title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Neuer has already appeared at four World Cups and now joins several other players aged 40 or above selected for this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo, Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, and Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko have also been included in their respective national squads despite their age.
Germany’s squad also contains several Premier League-based players. Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz, Brighton’s Pascal Gross, and Liverpool attacker Florian Wirtz were all selected, alongside Newcastle United pair Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade.
Bayern youngster Lennart Karl, who is 18 years old, also earned a place in the group, while Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane was included as well.
Germany, four-time World Cup winners, will begin their campaign against Curacao on 14 June before facing Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the remaining Group E fixtures.
Since lifting the trophy in 2014, Germany has struggled to repeat that success on the global stage. The national team exited during the group phase at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Nagelsmann made clear that expectations inside the squad remain high despite those disappointing tournaments. According to the Germany coach, the objective is still to become world champions once again.
He added that every player selected for the squad must now prove themselves every day during preparations and throughout the competition.
