Manuel Neuer Returns for Germany vs Curacao at 2026 World Cup

Manuel Neuer has been declared fit to start as Germany open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Curacao today. The veteran Bayern Munich captain suffered a calf injury in the final Bundesliga match of the season last month, forcing him to sit out both pre-tournament friendlies against Finland and the United States.

Neuer's Return

In his absence, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann got the nod in between the sticks ahead of Alexander Nubel and was on standby to start Sunday’s Group E opener. However, Neuer makes his return to international football in Houston and earns a 125th cap, having reversed his decision to retire following Euro 2024. Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on the eve of the game that the 40-year-old is available.

With the pressure on Germany to perform far better at this World Cup after consecutive group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, head coach Nagelsmann will be keen for his side to get off to a flying start against a Curacao team making their finals debut.

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Team News

The good news for Nagelsmann is that he has the luxury of naming his strongest possible team with no fresh injury concerns after losing Bayern youngster Lennart Karl to a thigh muscle tear sustained before the tournament. Captain Joshua Kimmich is set for a right-back role despite impressing in central midfield for Bayern this season. Joining him in defence is club team-mate Jonathan Tah, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown.

Aleksandar Pavlovic is set to be partnered by Felix Nmecha in central midfield, providing support to an interchangeable attacking trio of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane behind the striker, Kai Havertz. The Arsenal forward is in decent form having scored in the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain as well as the opener for Germany in their 2-1 friendly win over USA.