Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has reversed his decision to retire from international football to join Germany’s 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico, America, and Canada. Neuer, aged 40 and a Bayern Munich player, will lead Germany as their primary goalkeeper, marking his fifth appearance in the prestigious tournament. His return adds another remarkable chapter to his illustrious international career, having been a pivotal part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.
Germany’s head coach Nagelsmann has crafted a well-rounded squad for the upcoming World Cup, blending seasoned players with promising talents. Joshua Kimmich, a midfielder from Bayern Munich, will captain the team, with young stars like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala expected to play crucial roles. The squad also includes notable names such as Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane, Antonio Rudiger, and Nico Schlotterbeck, with Jonas Urbig from Bayern Munich as an additional goalkeeper option.
The provisional squad for Germany excludes players like Karim Adeyemi, Robert Andrich, and Niclas Fullkrug. Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, boasts a rich history in the tournament, having clinched titles in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014. The team will kick off their Group E matches against Curaçao in Houston on June 14, followed by games against Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto on June 20 and Ecuador in New York, New Jersey, on June 25.
