Germany unveil FIFA World Cup squad; goalie Manuel Neuer reverses international retirement
Berlin, May 21
Germany unveiled their FIFA World Cup squad for the 2026 edition on Thursday, with legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a part of the 2014 edition winning squad, reversing his international retirement taken in 2024.
Germany, who have had a rough run in the FIFA World Cups as of late, with two back-to-back group stages in the 2018 and 2022 editions. While they failed to secure the Euro 2024 title on their home soil, manager Julian Nagelsmann has instilled a new standard into the squad, as per Olympics.com.
The team is largely new-look and looks promising, and is eager to chase their fifth title.
Germany is a part of Group E in the tournament, with debutants Curacao, three-time AFCON winners Cote d'Ivoire and South Americans Ecuador. The four-time champions will start their campaign in Houston against Curacao on June 14.
*FIFA World Cup 2026 - Germany's full squad-Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nubel (Monaco)
-Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Frankfurt), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, captain), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, vice-captain), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)
-Midfielders: Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Pascal Gross (Brighton), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Alexander Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)
-Forwards: Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Denis Undav (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Germany's struggles post-2014 have been painful to watch as a neutral. I hope this fresh squad under Nagelsmann can finally deliver. Wirtz and Musiala in midfield is such an exciting combo. Not sure about starting with Baumann over Nubel though... Neuer's presence might be more psychological.
Curacao in Group E?! What a dream for them - first World Cup and they face the mighty Germany in Houston. As an Indian football fan, I can only imagine the buzz. But Germany should top this group easily if they find their rhythm. Neuer and Rudiger will be key against Ecuador's pace.
Good squad, but I'm surprised no room for Niclas Füllkrug. That guy was a beast as a target man. Kai Havertz hasn't exactly set the world on fire at Arsenal either. But then again, Nagelsmann knows best. Hope Sane and Musiala light up the tournament. Germany vs Curacao - let's see.
This feels like a transitional squad with potential. Having Kimmich as captain is a solid choice - he plays with such passion. Neuer's return at 40 might be a risk, but his leadership is undeniable. I just hope they don't repeat the group stage exit. Group E looks manageable for them.
I love seeing veterans like Neuer come back from retirement for one more shot at glory. Reminds me of India's own heroes in cricket or hockey. But honestly, I hope Germany doesn't underestimate Curacao or Cote d'Ivoire - in World Cup football,
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