Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has recalled veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for the 2026 World Cup
Manuel Neuer has made a surprise return to the Germany national team after being included in Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The veteran goalkeeper retired from international football following Euro 2024, but Nagelsmann has now convinced the 40-year-old to return for what will be his fifth World Cup appearance with Germany.
Speaking during the squad announcement in Frankfurt, Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer would immediately return as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Oliver Baumann.
“Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team,” Nagelsmann said. “We’re planning with him as our number one.”
🚨🇩🇪 OFFICIAL: Manuel Neuer will be at the 2026 World Cup, confirmed. pic.twitter.com/tJUzpEubgG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 21, 2026
Despite Neuer’s return, Joshua Kimmich will continue as Germany captain. Neuer is now the only remaining member of the squad that lifted the 2014 World Cup trophy in Brazil.
The squad also includes several high-profile attacking names, with Leroy Sane retaining his place after his move to Galatasaray.
Jamal Musiala returns after recovering from a broken ankle, while Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, Liverpool star Florian Wirtz and Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade have also been selected.
In defence, former World Cup winner Matthias Ginter was left out despite helping Freiburg reach the Europa League final, with Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw earning the nod instead.
Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig was also omitted from the final squad but will travel with the team to assist in training.
Germany will play Finland on May 31 in their final warm-up match before travelling to North America, where they will face World Cup co-hosts the United States in Chicago on June 6. Nagelsmann’s side will be based in North Carolina during the tournament and have been drawn in Group C alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup
Gemeinsam für Deutschland: Unser Kader für die WM 2026! 🖤❤️💛#dfbteam #fifaworldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/zaxWgXsGGv
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) May 21, 2026
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nuebel (Stuttgart)
Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle/ENG)
Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion/ENG), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)
