FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to retire after global event
Toronto, June 19
Germany's experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will retire after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as he confirmed the decision during the press conference on Thursday.
The 40-year-old, who was part of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad and is currently featuring in his fifth consecutive World Cup as the first-choice goalkeeper, had initially retired from international football following Germany's quarter-final exit at Euro 2024 on home soil, according to Reuters.
Neuer's inclusion came as a surprise when coach Julian Nagelsmann named him in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, following an impressive second half of the season with Bayern Munich.
"I stepped back in 2024 with a good reason after a good home Euro. For me, it was the right decision. It felt right," Neuer told a press conference, as quoted by Reuters.
"It would have been too much of a sporting burden for me (to have kept playing for the national team) for the last two years," he added.
"For me, it is clear that this is my last tournament. I do not plan to be there in two years time for the next Euro. In the last days, I have dealt with the fact that these are the last games for Germany. But I want to look forward to all the games and not to any goodbye shirts," the veteran goalkeeper said.
Neuer was preferred over Oliver Baumann, who had initially been designated as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament before Neuer's return to the squad.
Neuer made his comeback in Germany's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match against Curacao, marking his return in Germany's commanding 7-1 victory.
"We work together with Oliver. We support each other and train for the team. After coming together, we discussed things and talked about how it came about (with my return)," Neuer said.
Germany will next face the Ivory Coast in their second Group E fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match is scheduled for June 20 (local time) in Toronto.
It will be an important contest for Germany as they look to build on their opening 7-1 victory over Curacao and strengthen their position in the group standings ahead of qualification for the knockout stage.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit conflicted. Neuer coming back after initially retiring feels like it could disrupt the team's rhythm. Baumann was doing well, and now he's been pushed aside. But I respect Neuer's decision—he's earned the right to go out on his own terms. Let's see how Germany performs against Ivory Coast!
Neuer is the GOAT of goalkeeping, no doubt! 🐐 His sweeper-keeper style changed the game forever. But I do feel for Oliver Baumann—being told you're the first-choice, then having a legend come back and take your spot... tough situation. Still, all the best to Neuer for his final World Cup!
As a football fan from India, watching Neuer over the years has been incredible. His consistency and leadership are unmatched. That 7-1 win against Curacao shows Germany is still a force. Looking forward to seeing him sign off with a strong performance against Ivory Coast. 🇩🇪⚽
Neuer's retirement from international football is well-deserved. He gave his all for Germany. But I wonder if Nagelsmann made the right call bringing him back at the expense of Baumann's confidence. Germany has a tough group stage ahead, and this move could either be masterstroke or a distraction. Time will tell.
A true professional! Neuer's humility in discussing his retirement shows his class. 'I want to look forward to all the games and not to any goodbye shirts'—that's the mindset of a champion. I hope Germany goes far in this World Cup so
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