Overview
- Manuel Neuer told reporters on June 18 that the 2026 World Cup will be his last competition for Germany and that he does not plan to play at the next European Championship.
- Coach Julian Nagelsmann recalled Neuer to the squad on May 21 and reinstated him as first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament after strong club form.
- Neuer made his first Germany appearance in two years in the opening 7-1 Group E win over Curaçao and is on course to feature in a fifth consecutive World Cup.
- Oliver Baumann remained in the squad as Neuer’s backup after initially being named first-choice, and Neuer said they have a very good relationship following private talks during preparations.
- Peripheral developments include reports that Neuer’s Bayern contract runs through at least 2027 and the launch of an unrelated Solana-based ‘NEUER’ meme token following his recall.