Neuer Makes Shock Return as Germany Unveil 26-Man World Cup Squad, Kimmich Stays Captain
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has made a surprise return to international football after being named in Germany’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 40-year-old, who retired from international duty in 2024, will now feature in his fifth World Cup appearance.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer will go into the tournament as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Oliver Baumann, describing him as a key figure in the team’s plans. “Everyone knows the aura and quality Manu has, what he brings to a team. We’re planning with him as our number one,” Nagelsmann said at the squad announcement in Frankfurt.
Despite Neuer’s return, Joshua Kimmich will continue as Germany’s captain. Leroy Sané, now at Galatasaray, also keeps his place in the squad as Nagelsmann named a largely reshaped team for the tournament.
Neuer is now the only remaining player from Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad. Several veterans missed out this time, including Matthias Ginter, with Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw preferred in central defence. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig was also left out of the final squad but will still travel with the team to support training during the tournament.
There was also good news for Germany with the return of Jamal Musiala, who is back in the squad after recovering from a broken ankle that ruled him out of March’s international friendlies. The squad also features a strong Premier League presence in attack, including Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz, and Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade.
Young Bayern Munich forward Lennart Karl, just 18, earned his first call-up to a major tournament, highlighting Nagelsmann’s blend of youth and experience as Germany aim for success on the global stage.
Elijah Adeyemi
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