According to Sky Sports, Manuel Neuer has agreed to reverse his international retirement and will represent Germany in the 2026 World Cup for the fifth time in his career.
The legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper had originally stepped away from international football after Euro 2024, intended to allow a new generation to lead under manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Agreement with Nagelsmann and Rudi Völler
Over the past few months, Nagelsmann had designated Oliver Baumann as the primary goalkeeper for the tournament, with Alexander Nübel as his deputy.
However, following Neuer’s remarkable form and the declining performance of other candidates, the German FA initiated talks. Ultimately, the efforts of Rudi Völler and Nagelsmann succeeded in convincing the 40-year-old veteran to return as the nation’s number-one choice for the major competition.
Injury Concerns and the DFB-Pokal Final
Neuer recently sustained an injury during Bayern’s final Bundesliga match against FC Köln. If the injury is not severe, his spot in the World Cup squad is guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich faces Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final next week, where backup goalkeeper Jonas Urbig is expected to start in Neuer’s absence.
