Manuel Neuer to Start for Germany in World Cup Qualifier vs. Curacao
Quick Look
- Manuel Neuer, 40, will start as goalkeeper for Germany's first 2026 World Cup match against Curacao in Houston, Texas.
- This marks Neuer's return to international play after a nearly two-year absence due to injury.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Manuel Neuer, a 40-year-old goalkeeper, is returning to international play for Germany after a nearly two-year absence due to injury. He was previously sidelined by a calf injury.
Manuel Neuer will be taking to the field as goalkeeper in Germany's first 2026 World Cup match against Curacao on Sunday, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Saturday.
"All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann said at his pre-match press conference.
Neuer brought out of national retirement
The match in Houston in the US state of Texas will be the 40-year-old goalkeeper's first appearance for Germany in nearly two years.
He has been brought out of international retirement after he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals this season.
A calf injury kept Neuer out of recent warm-up friendlies against Finland and the US, both won by Germany.
Germany seeking 'perfect performance' against Curacao
Nagelsmann said Germany would be striving for excellence in the match against Curacao, which is taking part in its first World Cup.
The Curacao players "are all well-trained and can go into the tournament without pressure. That always makes an opponent dangerous," Nagelsmann said.
"You never win a match just because you're favorites. We will win a match only if we produce a perfect performance," he said.
Follow our Germany live updates for more.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar
Open Questions
- Will Neuer's performance be at his previous level?
- How will Germany perform in the rest of the World Cup qualifiers?
