Daijiworld Media Network - Berlin
Berlin, May 21: Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has reversed his international retirement and been included in Germany’s provisional 26-member squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted across Mexico, the United States and Canada from June 11.
The 40-year-old Bayern Munich star had stepped away from international football after UEFA Euro 2024 but is now set to return as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for what will be his fifth World Cup appearance.
Neuer remains one of the most celebrated goalkeepers in modern football and played a pivotal role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, where they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to secure their fourth global title. He is widely credited with revolutionising the modern “sweeper-keeper” style through both his club and international career.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has selected a squad blending experienced players with emerging talent ahead of the tournament. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich will captain the side, while creative youngsters Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are expected to play central roles in Germany’s campaign.
The squad also features prominent names including Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane, Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck. Young Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig has additionally been included as a reserve backup option.
Among the notable exclusions from the provisional squad are Karim Adeyemi, Robert Andrich and Niclas Fullkrug.
Germany are one of the most successful nations in World Cup history, having won the tournament four times — in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. However, the team suffered disappointing group-stage exits in both the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Germany will open their Group E campaign against Curaçao in Houston on June 14, followed by matches against Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto on June 20 and Ecuador in New York/New Jersey on June 25.
Germany’s Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel
Defenders:
Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw
Midfielders:
Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Angelo Stiller, Florian Wirtz, Nadiem Amiri, Pascal Groß
Forwards:
Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Jamie Leweling, Deniz Undav, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier, Leroy Sane