Neuer returns from retirement to lead Germany in 2026 World Cup
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has joined the official list for the 2026 World Cup, with the Bayern Munich captain reversing his decision to retire from international action two years ago.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Thursday (May 21st) the return of the goalkeeper after the German Football Association published on its official website the final squad, including Neuer's name.
Neuer's return... A decision that turns the scores upside down
German newspaper Bild revealed that Nagelsmann informed Oliver Baumann, the Hoffenheim goalkeeper who shined in the qualifiers, that he had been excluded from the starting position in favor of Neuer, who was crowned the 2014 World Cup, and despite the shock, Baumann showed commitment to the coach's decision and his willingness to be available as a substitute goalkeeper.
Neuer, 40, returns after his international retirement following Euro 2024, and after a 15-year career in which he made 124 international appearances, and is now preparing for his fifth World Cup of his career, despite his recent calf injury that does not seem to affect his participation.
Neuer was supposed to succeed goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but the prolonged injuries that followed him in Barcelona and then Girona disrupted this path, prompting the coaching staff to return to the option of absolute experience.
Split within German football
Lothar Matthews criticized the way the file was handled, saying the problem was not in the decision, but in "the lack of transparency with Baumann and the public."
Matthias Zammer fully supported the decision, stressing that "the team always needs the best, and Neuer is the best in Germany."
Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeeping
Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nobel
Defense
Valdemar Anton, Felix Nemecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown, Pascal Gross, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Alexander Pavlovich, David Raum, Antonio Rudiger, Angelo Stiller, Malik Teao.
Midfield and Attack
Nadim Amiri, Maximilian Baer, Leon Goretzka, Lennart Karl, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Deniz Ondav, Jaime Lwelling, Leroy Sané, Florian Wirts, Nick Voltemadé.