Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to join Germany's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old was named on Thursday by head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer will be the team's starting number one goalkeeper for the tournament. This return comes two years after Neuer's retirement from international football.
The appointment comes despite Nagelsmann having long labeled Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann as his first-choice keeper. Nagelsmann stated that the main task was to nominate the best three keepers and that the team contacted Neuer to see if he wanted to play for the national team again. The head coach added that the team's goal is to become world champions.