Overview
- Manuel Neuer rejoined full team training at the Wake Forest base after a left-calf problem and has been designated Julian Nagelsmann’s first-choice keeper for the tournament.
- DFB sporting director Rudi Völler said Neuer’s calf is no longer a major issue and the staff are managing his load to protect availability for Germany’s opener.
- Oliver Baumann, who started the pre-tournament friendlies and performed well, remains in the squad as Neuer’s backup and says he is ready to help if needed.
- Germany finished warm-ups with a 2–1 win over the United States, moved into closed camp at Wake Forest and completed a late squad change when Assan Ouédraogo replaced injured winger Lennart Karl.
- Beyond the keeper row, Germany face tactical uncertainty: a young creative midfield led by Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala must find form while the team lacks a proven, traditional goal-scoring striker.