Manuel NeuerPlayer·Manuel Neuer, the veteran goalkeeper, has dramatically reversed his international retirement to rejoin the German national team for the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup. At 40 years old, Neuer's inclusion is a pivotal development for Germany as they prepare for the tournament, with head coach Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann confirming him as the undisputed number one.
Neuer's return comes after a robust 2025/26 season with Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich, where he demonstrated his enduring quality. He featured in 37 matches across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Bayern securing the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga title and reaching the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League semi-finals. In the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga alone, Neuer made 22 appearances, keeping seven clean sheets and maintaining a save percentage of 60.78%. Despite his contract with Bayern MunichTeam·Bayern Munich expiring in June 2026 and open contemplation of retirement, his performances evidently convinced the national team setup of his continued value.
Germany secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup by topping Group A in the European qualifiers. Throughout this qualification campaign, Oliver BaumannPlayer·Oliver Baumann, 35, had served as Germany's primary goalkeeper, a role he was reportedly assured would continue into the World Cup. However, Nagelsmann's intervention has altered these plans.
Julian NagelsmannCoach·Julian Nagelsmann personally persuaded Neuer to come out of international retirement, underscoring the goalkeeper's unique attributes. "Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team," Nagelsmann stated, confirming the decision to install Neuer as the starting goalkeeper. This move has inevitably sidelined Baumann, leading to some reported unrest within the squad given the prior assurances.
The decision has garnered support from prominent figures in German football, with legend Lothar Matthäus publicly endorsing Neuer's return. Matthäus described it as "the right decision" that could significantly bolster Germany's prospects in the tournament.
Germany finds itself in Group E for the 2026 World Cup, alongside CuraçaoTeam·Curaçao, Ivory CoastTeam·Ivory Coast, and EcuadorTeam·Ecuador. The team enters the tournament seeking to overcome the disappointment of successive early exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Nagelsmann views Neuer's extensive experience, accumulated over 124 international caps, and his proven leadership as indispensable assets for the squad's ambitions. Notably, Neuer is the sole remaining member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, bringing a unique perspective and winning mentality to the current generation.
Manuel Neuer and the German national team depart Frankfurt Airport for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. HMB-Media/IMAGO
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