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Germany's Nagelsmann picks retired 40-year-old Neuer for 2026 World Cup

5/21/2026

Summary

Neuer Returns

Coach Julian Nagelsmann selected 40-year-old Manuel Neuer as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup.
Neuer, who retired after Euro 2024, agreed to return after Nagelsmann secured his commitment and a Bayern Munich contract.
Oliver Baumann, who kept four clean sheets in qualification, will serve as backup goalkeeper.
Alexander Nübel joins Neuer and Baumann as the third official goalkeeper.
Matthias Sammer defended Neuer as Germany’s best keeper.

Summary

Germany Announces

The German Football Association announced the squad with short social-media videos that unveiled each player.
Eighteen-year-old Bayern goalkeeper Lennart Karl became the youngest call-up as Germany assembles on 27 May to train in North Carolina.
Manuel Neuer signed a Bayern deal, his calf injury casting doubt on his cup final appearance.
Julian Gnabry misses the tournament injured, leaving Germany—exited in 2018 and 2022—to face Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Curacao in Group E.

Summary

Neuer Starts

Manuel Neuer will start Germany’s World Cup opener on 14 July in Houston, becoming the oldest goalkeeper and, at 40 years, 3 months 18 days, its oldest player at a major tournament.
He posted a best goals-against average of 0.97 per 90 minutes and made nine saves in Bayern’s Santiago Bernabéu knockout win, the most against Real Madrid in a knockout match.
Bayern clinched the league title with four games left, crediting Neuer’s presence for the goals-conceded tally.

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Neuer Returns

Coach Julian Nagelsmann selected 40-year-old Manuel Neuer as Germany’s starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup.
Neuer, who retired after Euro 2024, agreed to return after Nagelsmann secured his commitment and a Bayern Munich contract.
Oliver Baumann, who kept four clean sheets in qualification, will serve as backup goalkeeper.
Alexander Nübel joins Neuer and Baumann as the third official goalkeeper.
Matthias Sammer defended Neuer as Germany’s best keeper.

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