Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has decided to return from international retirement after being named in Germany’s provisional 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.
The 40-year-old Bayern Munich star had retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2024. However, he is now set to make a comeback and will likely be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament.
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Neuer Set To Represent Germany in Fifth FIFA World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be Neuer’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest event, adding another major milestone to his legendary career. He was one of Germany’s most important players during their successful 2014 World Cup campaign in Brazil, where they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to win their fourth world title.
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Over the years, Neuer has earned a reputation as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. His unique style of playing as a “sweeper-keeper” changed the role of modern goalkeeping and influenced players around the world.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has selected a balanced squad that includes both experienced names and young talents. Interestingly, Nagelsmann is two years younger than Neuer himself.
Joshua Kimmich to lead the side
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich will captain the side, while rising stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are expected to play key roles in Germany’s attack.
The squad also features well-known names like Kai Havertz, Leroy Sané, Antonio Rüdiger and Nico Schlotterbeck. Young Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig has also been included as an additional backup option.
Meanwhile, players like Karim Adeyemi, Robert Andrich and Niclas Füllkrug have missed out on the provisional squad.
Germany look to win fifth World Cup
Germany remain one of the most successful teams in World Cup history. They have won the tournament four times — in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. The team also finished runners-up four times and reached the semifinals in both 2006 and 2010. However, Germany struggled in recent editions, suffering group-stage exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Germany Schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
Germany will begin their Group E campaign against Curaçao in Houston on June 14. They will then face Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto on June 20 before taking on Ecuador in New York/New Jersey on June 25.
Germany squad:
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel
Defenders: Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw
Midfielders: Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Angelo Stiller, Florian Wirtz, Nadiem Amiri, Pascal Groß
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier, Leroy Sane