Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has brought Manuel Neuer out of international retirement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring the veteran goalkeeper his first-choice starter for the tournament in North America.
Manuel Neuer, 40, who stepped away from international football after Germany’s Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to Spain, returns less than two years later after an impressive season with Bayern Munich.
Neuer helped the Bundesliga champions reach the Champions League semi-finals and has now been rewarded with a place in Germany’s 26-man squad.
“Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team,” said Nagelsmann.
“We’re planning with him as our number one.”
Neuer won the last of his 124 caps during Euro 2024 and remains one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation. He was part of the German side that lifted the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and has already featured in four editions of the tournament.
His return also continues the trend of veteran stars extending their international careers ahead of the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Craig Gordon and Edin Dzeko have all been selected by their countries despite being aged 40 or above.
Nagelsmann’s squad includes five Premier League-based players, among them Kai Havertz, Pascal Gross and Florian Wirtz. Newcastle United pair Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade also made the squad.
Teenage Bayern prospect Lennart Karl earned a surprise call-up, while Leroy Sane was included after his move to Galatasaray.
Four-time champions Germany begin their World Cup campaign against Curacao on 14 June before facing the Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E.
After crashing out in the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, Nagelsmann insists his side are targeting football’s biggest prize once again.
“The statement stands,” said Nagelsmann. “We want to become world champions. Every player who is nominated needs to show it now every day.”
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