Overview
- Neuer told reporters on Thursday that the 2026 World Cup will be his last tournament for Germany and that he does not plan to play at the next European Championship.
- He reversed a 2024 retirement after strong club form and was recalled to the squad by coach Julian Nagelsmann on May 21, 2026, then started Germany’s 7-1 opening win over Curaçao.
- Neuer’s return pushed Oliver Baumann back to a backup role but Neuer stressed they have a good working relationship and that the decision was discussed openly during camp.
- At 40 years old Neuer became Germany’s oldest major-tournament appearance maker and said team doctors have managed his workload to protect his availability for the rest of the World Cup.
- Neuer has praised young keepers such as Jonas Urbig as potential successors and said a win over Ivory Coast would likely secure Germany’s place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.