HOUSTON, June 14, 2026 (V7N) – Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Germany against Curacao in his fifth World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Saturday. "All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann said at his pre-match press conference. The game Sunday against the World Cup debutants will be the 40-year-old goalkeeper's first appearance for Germany in nearly two years.
Neuer won the last of his 124 international caps in a Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat by Spain. Nagelsmann brought him out of international retirement after he helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals last season. The 2014 World Cup winner had to nurse a calf injury in the buildup to the 2026 tournament.
Neuer played no part in Germany's two warm-up friendlies — a 4-0 win against Finland and a 2-0 victory against the USA. His return to the starting lineup marks a significant moment for the German side, as the veteran goalkeeper seeks to add to his illustrious World Cup legacy.
The decision to start Neuer leaves Oliver Baumann, who has largely been Germany's number one in the last two years, on the bench. Baumann had stepped up during Neuer's absence but will now serve as backup for the tournament opener against the Caribbean debutants.
Germany will face Curacao on Sunday in what is expected to be a straightforward test for the four-time world champions, as they begin their quest for a fifth World Cup title. Neuer's experience and leadership will be crucial for a German side looking to bounce back from recent tournament disappointments.
END/WSP/RH/
