Ter Stegen is confident he will be Germany’s goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, but this is no longer as assured as the Barcelona goalkeeper hopes. The secret lies in the legendary Manuel Neuer, according to Bild.
Neuer announced his retirement from international football last year, satisfied with his legendary career, which included his huge impact on the 2014 World Cup victory. However, there is a very strong possibility that the 40-year-old will return to the Mannschaft for the 2025 World Cup.
According to Bild, Ter Stegen’s position regarding his participation in the World Cup is very complicated due to his current situation with Barcelona. Furthermore, the German goalkeeper’s recent back surgery, which will keep him out for four months, increases concerns that he will be the ideal choice to protect his country’s goal in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At the moment, Neuer is monitoring the situation and is fully prepared to reverse his decision to retire and help his country in the 2026 World Cup if necessary, especially since he is in top form, both physically and technically, as was clearly demonstrated by his performances with Bayern Munich in the 2025 Club World Cup.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann has yet to comment on the matter, either positively or negatively. However, he remains confident in Ter Stegen, although he has been clear with him that he must play consistently to secure a starting spot at the World Cup. This makes the goalkeeper’s departure from Barcelona in January almost certain to prevent him from losing his World Cup dream.
But now, Ter Stegen must shine and prove himself, otherwise his dreams will once again be shattered by Manuel Neuer, just as has been the case throughout his international career from 2014 until last year.
