Germany's hopes for the 2026 World Cup hinge on the fitness and form of world-class goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
There are few milestones left for Manuel Neuer to achieve in his career, but his unexpected return to the Germany squad for the 2026 World Cup has allowed him to reach new heights.
By starting in goal during Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao, Neuer has now appeared in five World Cups, matching Lothar Matthäus' German record. His outing also made him the oldest German international ever, at 40 years and 79 days, surpassing the previous mark held by Matthäus (39 years and 91 days). The match was also his 20th World Cup appearance, tying him with former French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most tournament appearances.
"Either you love football or you don't, and that's why it's truly special for me to begin this tournament alongside the team," Neuer said after the game. "I really wanted to be the man between the posts. It felt good to be on the pitch with the team."
Neuer was seldom tested against Curacao, but the goal he conceded left him disappointed.
"If it hadn't been deflected, I would have saved it. I would have liked to have kept it out," the goalkeeper remarked.
Coming out of retirement
The 2014 World Cup winner is two years older than head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but Germany's coach had no hesitation in asking the legendary keeper if he would come out of retirement.
"He doesn't need time to adjust at his age. He knows how to handle high-pressure situations," Nagelsmann said of the choice. The 38-year-old also received backing from German Football Association (DFB) Sporting Director Rudi Völler. "He knows most of the players from Bayern Munich as well. He’s been around for so long; nothing fazes him," the 66-year-old noted.
All eyes on Neuer
Debates about the "world's best goalkeeper" and the condition of his calf dominated headlines in the days before Germany's World Cup opener. For a long time, it was uncertain whether the keeper would be ready in time, given the injury Neuer sustained late in the recently completed Bundesliga season. He arrived at the tournament having not played in Germany's last two warm-up matches against Finland and the USA.
Oliver Baumann served as the number one during the World Cup qualifiers and turned in strong performances. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper was slated to be Germany's first-choice keeper, but things changed when Neuer returned.
"It was tough at first, of course. It didn't feel great, to be honest," Baumann admitted after the final World Cup warm-up match against the USA. "But I knew right away that I would be there for the team and make the trip."
A keeper with an aura
Neuer's return does come with risk, however. Due to his injury, the keeper only rejoined team training earlier in the week leading up to Germany's opener. Potential re-injury had to be avoided at all costs, given Neuer's history of injury problems — calf issues had already forced him into three injury-related breaks during the season just finished.
Beyond his undeniable skills on the field, there is another psychological factor that could benefit Germany: the 40-year-old's aura.
"He has this special presence and this special aura," explained defensive leader Jonathan Tah. For captain Joshua Kimmich, it was a given that Neuer is "the best goalkeeper of all time."
The two have played together at Bayern Munich — the record-holding German champions — for eleven years and know each other well. That is one reason why the current Germany captain never doubted that Neuer would return to the squad, provided he was fit.
"We have a World Cup coming up, and the best players need to play," said Kimmich.
A 'GOAT' goalkeeper
The excitement for so many Germany fans to see Neuer back in action began long before the game in Houston. A week earlier, amid summer-like temperatures, around 3,000 fans gathered at Wake Forest University's grounds to watch Germany's public training session.
Everyone wanted to see head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, and one player, in particular, was the focus of attention: Neuer.
"Neuer has won our hearts. I believe in the team and hope they’ll go all the way," said Chris.
And who knows what Manuel Neuer will decide after the World Cup and which records he'll target next. For teammate Kai Havertz, at least, one thing is certain: "If he's 70 and still wants to play for the national team, he'll still make the squad."