Manuel Neuer has moved significantly closer to an international comeback after being included in Germany's 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich goalkeeper retired from international football following Euro 2024, but head coach Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly held concrete discussions about bringing the veteran back as the nation's primary shot-stopper in North America.
According to Sky Sport, Neuer's inclusion in the DFB's mandatory preliminary roster submitted to FIFA marks the strongest signal yet that a U-turn is genuinely under consideration. The goalkeeper earned 124 caps during his previous international career and won the World Cup in 2014. For any player to be eligible for the final tournament squad announced on May 21, they must first appear on this preliminary list, making Neuer's registration a crucial procedural step.
Nagelsmann's Confidence in Neuer's Quality
The discussions between Neuer and Nagelsmann centre not merely on squad participation but on the goalkeeper reclaiming the number one position. Despite his age, Neuer's performances for Bayern this season have been consistently outstanding, silencing critics who questioned whether a 40-year-old could perform at the highest level. Bayern president Herbert Hainer backed the prospect during the Women's DFB-Pokal final, stating: "We have seen in recent games what an outstanding goalkeeper Neuer still is at 40." Hainer confirmed the club would support a World Cup return, though the final decision rests between player and coach.
Neuer's credentials remain formidable heading into 2026. This season, he secured his 13th Bundesliga title with Bayern and guided the club to the Champions League semi-finals. The veteran's sweeper-keeper style—characterized by aggressive positioning and ball-playing ability—remains tactically relevant despite football's tactical evolution since his initial retirement.
A decision on Neuer's participation is expected within days, with formal confirmation arriving when Nagelsmann announces Germany's final squad on May 21. Should the legendary shot-stopper accept, it would rank among the most dramatic international comebacks in German football history, giving him a chance to pursue a second World Cup title at an age when most goalkeepers have long departed the professional game.
