DFB keeper was questionable
Fit for Curaçao? The decision about Manuel Neuer has been made
Updated June 14, 2026 – 3:13 p.mReading time: 1 min.
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The status of the German number one for the start of the World Cup was unclear for a long time. But now national coach Julian Nagelsmann has ended the speculation.
Returnee Manuel Neuer is in goal at the German national soccer team’s World Cup opener against Curacao. National coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed this at the final press conference in Houston. “All players are healthy and Manu will start,” said Nagelsmann.
In the video | Nagelsmann speaks before the start of the World Cup
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Neuer is celebrating his DFB comeback after 709 days on Sunday (from 7 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online). The 40-year-old played the last of his 124 international matches to date in the quarter-final exit at the home European Championship in 2024 against Spain (1:2 nV).
Neuer missed the World Cup preparation games against Finland (4-0) and the USA (2-1) due to a calf injury. The Munich player was represented by Oliver Baumann, who was considered number one for the World Cup for a long time.