Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to return to Germany’s starting line-up for their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Curacao on Sunday. Neuer, who had been sidelined due to a calf injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match in May, has fully recovered, as confirmed by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann expressed confidence in Neuer’s fitness, stating that he will be playing in the upcoming game.
Neuer, aged 40, will be making his first appearance for Germany in almost two years, following his absence since the UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against Spain. Despite his break from international duty, Nagelsmann successfully persuaded Neuer to rejoin the national team after an impressive season with Bayern Munich. Neuer’s return will also mark his fifth World Cup appearance, equaling the German record held by former captain Lothar Matthaus.
As the sole remaining member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad in the current team, Neuer is expected to bring valuable experience to the relatively young group. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is gearing up for his World Cup debut, commended Neuer’s impact within the squad, emphasizing the goalkeeper’s significant influence both on and off the field. Germany, a historically successful team with titles in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014, aims to improve upon their recent World Cup performances, which saw early exits in 2018 and 2022.
Despite being strong favorites against debutants Curacao, Nagelsmann cautioned his players against underestimating the opposition. He emphasized the importance of a strong performance, stating that victory is not guaranteed solely based on being the favorites. Germany, under Nagelsmann’s leadership, enters the tournament in excellent form, having secured victories in their last nine matches across all competitions, including friendly matches against Switzerland, Ghana, Finland, and the USA.
