Overview
- Germany were knocked out of the World Cup by Paraguay after a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 penalty shootout loss, marking the first time the team has lost a World Cup shootout.
- Neuer confirmed his second and final international retirement on social media, saying he has no regrets and that he returned to support younger players.
- The goalkeeper had been recalled to the squad after other options were unavailable, but he struggled for form during the tournament and did not keep a clean sheet.
- The German team issued an official statement accepting criticism of performances while condemning hate and discrimination, and coach Julian Nagelsmann has denied plans to resign despite doubts about his future.
- Neuer's exit closes a defining era in German goalkeeping and is likely to increase pressure on the national association to clarify goalkeeper succession and squad-selection policy ahead of the next cycle.