Just before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the football world witnessed a surprise return of a major icon. While headlines have been dominated by Neymar`s injury status for Brazil, German football has now delivered its own shock. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had retired from international football in 2024, has made a dramatic comeback to the national side.The legendary keeper is central to Nagelsmann`s plans.
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, coach Julian Nagelsmann announced Germany’s 26-man squad, where Neuer was not only included but named as the primary goalkeeper, surpassing Oliver Baumann. Among the heroes of the historic 2014 Maracana victory, Neuer stands alone as the only player remaining in the current squad. Despite his return, Joshua Kimmich will retain the captain`s armband for Die Mannschaft.
Nagelsmann has placed his trust in a blend of youth and experience.
The attack will be led by Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, and Nick Woltemade, while Jamal Musiala has returned to action after overcoming an ankle injury. The squad also features 18-year-old Bayern Munich prodigy Lennart Carl, who earns his first national call-up. Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany`s performance in knockout stages has been lackluster, with their Euro 2024 victory over Denmark being their only significant success in a decade.Nagelsmann is betting on Neuer`s experience to restore past glory.
Germany is placed in Group C for the tournament, alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador. The team will play its final preparatory match against Finland on May 31 before traveling to the United States. While there are minor concerns regarding a lingering calf injury for Neuer, his return brings a surge of optimism as Germany aims for a fifth world title.
Germany Squad: Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann, Manuel Neuer, Alexander Nübel. Defenders: Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw. Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, Jamie Leweling, Jamal Musiala, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović, Angelo Stiller, Florian Wirtz. Forwards: Maximilian Beier, Kai Havertz, Lennart Carl, Leroy Sané, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade.
