Manuel Neuer Reportedly Joins Germany's Provisional World Cup Squad
Manuel Neuer has reportedly earned a spot in Julian Nagelsmann's 55-man provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup, according to Sky Sport. The FC Bayern Munich goalkeeper, now 40, met personally with the national team manager to discuss a potential return. This inclusion on the preliminary list, submitted to FIFA last Monday, positions Neuer as eligible for the finals starting June 11 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with the final squad announcement set for next Thursday.
Neuer's Path Back to the National Team
Neuer boasts 124 caps for Germany, including the 2014 World Cup triumph, and staged a comeback in 2024 following the hosts' quarter-final loss to Spain at Euro 2024. Persistent injuries to Marc-André ter Stegen, his designated successor, combined with Neuer's sustained excellence at Bayern, have sparked repeated calls for his recall. Bayern president Herbert Hainer praised Neuer's form on Thursday at the Women's DFB Cup final in Cologne, stating to Sky Sport that the veteran remains an outstanding goalkeeper at 40, though the final call rests between Neuer and Nagelsmann.
Goalkeeper Competition and Recent Choices
In March friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, Nagelsmann selected Oliver Baumann of TSG Hoffenheim, Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart, and Finn Dahmen of FC Augsburg as his goalkeeping trio. The 35-year-old Baumann has emerged as the clear first choice, starting in Nations League matches and World Cup qualifiers. Neuer's reported provisional inclusion signals a shift, potentially challenging Baumann's status amid Germany's preparations for upcoming fixtures.
Germany's Immediate Fixtures and World Cup Schedule
Nagelsmann's side faces a packed calendar before the tournament. Key matches include:
- Sunday, May 31 (8:45 pm): Germany vs. Finland (friendly)
- Saturday, June 6 (8:30 pm): USA vs. Germany (friendly)
- Sunday, June 14 (7:00 pm): Germany vs. Curaçao (2026 World Cup)
- Saturday, June 20 (10:00 pm): Germany vs. Ivory Coast (2026 World Cup)
- Thursday, June 25 (10:00 pm): Ecuador vs. Germany (2026 World Cup)
These games offer Neuer a platform to press his claim, as only provisional squad members can feature in the finals or be added later if injuries strike.
