Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been successfully coaxed out of international retirement by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, securing a place in the 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The 40-year-old had announced his retirement following the 2024 European Championship, making his inclusion a significant U-turn for the national team. Neuer’s recall comes as a considerable setback for Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, who had reportedly been assured of the number one spot.
Despite this personal disappointment, Baumann, known for his team-first attitude across more than 500 Bundesliga appearances, is expected to maintain his professionalism. Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, once considered Neuer’s natural successor, has been plagued by injuries, making only two appearances for Girona after joining on loan in January.
Neuer, with 124 caps compared to Baumann’s 11, last featured for Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. His recent outstanding performances for Bayern Munich, particularly in the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, are understood to have swayed Nagelsmann. However, concerns persist regarding Neuer’s recurring injury issues; he was forced off early during Bayern’s final Bundesliga match of the season due to muscular problems in his left calf.
Four-time champions Germany will compete in Group E against Ivory Coast, Ecuador and newcomers Curacao, as they aim for a fifth World Cup title. Preparations are scheduled to commence in Herzogenaurach on 27 May, two days later than initially planned.
