Germany national football team unveil 2026 World Cup squad with return of Manuel Neuer

Germany announced its final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighted by the return of Manuel Neuer after his international retirement in 2024.

Photo: abcnoticias.mx

Germany national football team officially announced its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, with the biggest storyline being the return of Manuel Neuer.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper had retired from international football following Euro 2024, but injuries to Marc-André ter Stegen and uncertainty at the position convinced head coach Julian Nagelsmann to bring the Bayern Munich captain back into the national team setup.

Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer is expected to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper heading into the tournament.

The decision sparked debate in Germany, especially after Oliver Baumann handled the starting role throughout much of the recent qualifying cycle. However, Neuer’s experience and leadership ultimately proved decisive.

Germany’s squad also features key stars such as Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala, who returns after recovering from a major injury suffered earlier in the season.

Nagelsmann also included several surprise selections, including Nadiem Amiri and highly rated Bayern Munich prospect Lennart Karl.

Germany will begin preparations on May 27 before playing warm-up matches against Finland and the United States ahead of the World Cup.

The four-time world champions were drawn into Group E alongside Ivory Coast national football team, Ecuador national football team and Curaçao national football team.

Goalkeepers

•  Oliver Baumann
•  Manuel Neuer
•  Alexander Nübel

Defenses

•  Waldemar Anton
•  Nathaniel Brown
•  David Raum
•  Antonio Rüdiger
•  Nico Schlotterbeck
•  Jonathan Tah
•  Malick Thiaw

Midfielders

•  Pascal Gross
•  Joshua Kimmich
•  Aleksandar Pavlovic
•  Felix Nmecha
•  Angelo Stiller
•  Nadiem Amiri
•  Leon Goretzka
•  Jamie Leweling

Forwards

•  Maximilian Beier
•  Kai Havertz
•  Lennart Karl
•  Jamal Musiala
•  Leroy Sané
•  Deniz Undav
•  Florian Wirtz
•  Nick Woltemade