Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start in goal for their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Curaçao on Sunday, marking a major return for the experienced shot-stopper after a lengthy spell away from international action.
The decision comes after concerns over Neuer’s fitness following a recent calf issue, but the 40-year-old has now been declared ready to take his place between the sticks.
Neuer Returns After Long International Absence
Neuer, a 2014 FIFA World Cup winner and former Germany captain, has not featured for the national team in nearly two years.
His last competitive appearance came in Germany’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals on July 5, 2024, after which he stepped away from international duty for a period.
He also missed Germany’s recent warm-up matches against Finland and the United States due to injury concerns, raising doubts about his availability heading into the tournament.
Nagelsmann Confirms Fitness Call
Nagelsmann, however, moved to reassure fans and the media that the Bayern Munich veteran is fully fit and ready to lead the team from the back.
“(He’s) definitely fit enough to start the game, and he got better and better,” the Germany coach said.
“He didn’t really have the rhythm, but now he has found it. We trust him a lot. For a successful World Cup campaign, we need Manuel at his best, and I believe he can deliver that.”
Germany Heavy Favourites Against World Cup Debutants
Four-time world champions Germany go into the fixture as clear favourites against Curaçao, who are making their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
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The Caribbean nation has already made history as the smallest country ever to qualify for the tournament, earning widespread admiration for their achievement.
Despite their underdog status, Curaçao are not without experience in their technical area, with veteran coach Dick Advocaat leading the side. Advocaat previously managed the Netherlands at the 1994 World Cup and South Korea in 2006.
Tough Group Ahead For Curaçao
Curaçao face a difficult challenge in a group that also includes Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast, with qualification to the knockout stage expected to be a major uphill task.
For Germany, however, all eyes will be on Neuer’s return as they aim to begin their World Cup campaign with a strong and confident performance.