Manuel Neuer’s Name in Germany Squad for 2026 World Cup as No 1 Keeper

Manuel Neuer has been included in Germany’s squad for the 2026 World Cup after reversing his decision to retire from international football, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirming the veteran goalkeeper will return as the team’s first-choice option.

The announcement on Thursday marked one of the headline selections in Germany’s 26-man squad for the tournament beginning next month. Manuel Neuer's name in Germany squad comes less than a year after the Bayern Munich goalkeeper stepped away from international duty following Euro 2024.

Nagelsmann said the coaching staff selected the strongest available goalkeeping group before approaching Neuer regarding a return.

“Yes I plan with [Neuer as No 1],” Nagelsmann said. “The main task was to nominate the best three keepers. So we decided that these three are part of that. We contacted Manuel and asked him if he wanted to play for the national team again.”

Neuer Set for Fifth World Cup

At 40, Neuer is now in line to appear at a fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup 2026, placing him among a small group of players to feature in five editions of the tournament. The former world champion has remained a regular for Bayern Munich and recently signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club.

Germany’s squad contained few major surprises, although teenage Bayern midfielder Lennart Karl earned a call-up after breaking into senior football this season. Nadiem Amiri and Leroy Sané were also included in the final selection.

However, several established names missed out. Niclas Füllkrug, Karim Adeyemi and Kevin Schade were not selected for the tournament squad.

Germany Target Fifth World Title

Germany have been drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. After back-to-back group-stage eliminations at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Nagelsmann said the team’s objective remains unchanged heading into the competition.

“They [players] fit well together. It is a good mix. Many have been playing since the youth together,” Nagelsmann said. “We are happy with our choice but know others will stay at home who have performed very well.“

“The statement stands,” Nagelsmann said. “We want to become world champions. Every player who is nominated needs to show it now every day.”

Neuer's Call-up is expected to be one of the major talking points heading into the tournament, with Germany once again turning to one of the country’s most experienced internationals for a World Cup campaign.

Germany Squad for 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers:

Oliver Baumann, Manuel Neuer, Alexander Nübel

Outfield players:

Nadiem Amiri, Waldemar Anton, Maximilian Beier, Nathaniel Brown, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß, Kai Havertz, Lennart Karl, Joshua Kimmich, Jamie Leweling, Jamal Musiala, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlović, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Leroy Sané, Nico Schlotterbeck, Angelo Stiller, Malick Thiaw, Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade, Jonathan Tah