Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been coaxed out of retirement for the World Cup by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. The 40-year-old Neuer retired after the 2024 European Championship but was included in Nagelsmann’s 26-man squad on Thursday for the upcoming tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
His inclusion means a demotion for Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who was assured he was the No. 1 until reports emerged in recent weeks that Nagelsmann was thinking about a Neuer recall.
Germany face Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and newcomer Curacao in Group E at the World Cup. Preparations are due to start in the Bavarian resort of Herzogenaurach on May 27, two days later than initially planned.
The team will play warmups against Finland in Mainz on May 31, then the United States in Chicago on June 6.
