Germany recall – Manuel Neuer has been coaxed out of retirement for the World Cup, earning a spot in Julian Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad despite recent doubts caused by recurring injury issues. The decision reshuffles plans for Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, who had been told he wa
BERLIN — Manuel Neuer didn’t just come back from retirement. He came back at the exact moment Germany’s World Cup plans seemed settled.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has coaxed the veteran goalkeeper out of retirement for the tournament in Canada. Mexico and the United States. naming the 40-year-old Neuer in his 26-man squad. Neuer had retired after the 2024 European Championship, but now he’s set to return to the international stage.
For Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, the inclusion lands like a personal curveball. Baumann, 35, had been assured he was Germany’s No. 1 until reports emerged in recent weeks that Nagelsmann was considering a Neuer recall. Up until last week, Baumann was saying Nagelsmann told him he’d be the starting goalkeeper at the World Cup.
Baumann’s recent record is built on reliability and a team-first approach. Over more than 500 Bundesliga appearances, he’s established himself as a dependable presence, and he’s unlikely to let any personal disappointment affect Germany’s chances of success.
The path to the squad spot had a familiar shape, too. Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen was seen as Neuer’s natural successor, but injuries have restricted him. After joining Girona on loan in January, ter Stegen made just two appearances.
Neuer’s case, meanwhile, has been strengthened by form—especially during Bayern Munich’s Champions League run. The clamour for his return grew louder after he produced standout performances for Bayern, particularly against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Still, time and the body remain the problem Germany can’t afford. Neuer’s recurring injuries have not been erased. In Bayern’s last Bundesliga game of the season. Neuer went off early. and the club said on Sunday he “must take a break for the time being because of muscular problems in his left calf.” It remained unclear whether Neuer could play in the German Cup final against Stuttgart on Saturday.
That uncertainty is now sitting alongside a different sort of tension: a carefully staged build-up that turned the squad announcement into a countdown. The German soccer federation (DFB) began on Thursday morning naming the World Cup squad one by one before Nagelsmann’s scheduled announcement in the afternoon. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich was the first to have his place confirmed. followed by Deniz Undav. Nico Schlotterbeck. Kai Havertz and Bayern star Jamal Musiala.
Musiala’s inclusion came with its own route back. He impressed for Bayern and proved his fitness after recovering from breaking his leg at the Club World Cup in July.
Eintracht Frankfurt left back Nathaniel Brown will get a chance to add to his three Germany appearances.
There were also injury signals shaping the final picture. Bayern forward Serge Gnabry was ruled out of the tournament with injury, while young Bayern teammate Lennart Karl won his race to be fit in time.
A veteran’s return also changes what the numbers say about the past. Baumann has made 11 appearances for Germany, compared to 124 by Neuer. Neuer’s last game came in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals hosted by Germany, when he was in goal for a 2-1 extra time loss to eventual champion Spain.
The sequence of decisions now feeds a tight question: whether Germany’s gamble pays off in the moments that decide tournaments. Neuer’s match-winning form and experience sit next to the risk of muscular problems in his left calf. while Baumann’s role—promised as starter—has been thrown into doubt after reports of Nagelsmann’s pivot.
Germany’s World Cup schedule gives little room to settle emotionally. The four-time champion Germany faces Ivory Coast, Ecuador and newcomer Curacao in Group E.
Preparations are due to start in the Bavarian resort of Herzogenaurach on May 27, two days later than initially planned. The team will warm up against Finland in Mainz on May 31, then play the United States in Chicago on June 6.
Germany’s squad is:
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)
Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (Leipzig), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Pascal Groß (Brighton), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray)
Manuel Neuer Oliver Baumann Julian Nagelsmann Germany World Cup squad 2026 World Cup Bayern Munich Hoffenheim Marc-Andre ter Stegen Group E Herzogenaurach Joshua Kimmich Jamal Musiala Serge Gnabry Lennart Karl DFB
So they just pull Neuer back like nothing? wild.
I don’t get it, wasn’t he retired because of injuries? Feels like Germany is panicking and blaming it on “plans” for the World Cup. Also who cares about Hoffenheim goalie drama, just win.
Baumann probably thought he was starting and then boom Neuer. That’s messed up but also kinda proves Nagelsmann can’t decide anything until the last second. And didn’t Mexico/US have nothing to do with this? The headline making it sound like Neuer’s coming for America or something.
Neuer coming back at 40 is either genius or a disaster waiting to happen. I saw something that said ter Stegen was “injured” but only played 2 matches so maybe he’s fine? Then again, the article says Neuer’s body is the problem so I’m like… why would they do this if he keeps getting hurt? Hope Baumann doesn’t get blamed like it’s his fault.