Manuel Neuer returns from injury ahead of World Cup opener
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has taken a significant step in his comeback to international football after participating fully in a public training session with Germany ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Bayern Munich shot-stopper trained in front of approximately 3,000 supporters at Germany’s training camp in North Carolina on Tuesday, June 8, 2026, marking his first complete session with the squad as they gear up for their Group-stage opener against Curacao in Houston on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
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The 40-year-old goalkeeper is expected to start the tournament opener, ending a lengthy absence from international action dating back to Germany’s UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to Spain.
Questions had emerged over Neuer’s readiness after a recent calf problem restricted him to individualized rehabilitation work. The injury raised concerns about whether he would be fit in time for the global showpiece.
Neuer’s return has also reignited discussions surrounding Germany’s goalkeeping hierarchy. Following the veteran’s retirement from international football two years ago, Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann had assumed the role of first-choice keeper.
Widespread debate
The decision to bring Neuer back sparked widespread debate among supporters and football analysts, with opinions divided over whether the experienced goalkeeper should immediately reclaim the number-one spot.
Despite the controversy, head coach Julian Nagelsmann remains convinced that a week of regular team training is sufficient preparation for Neuer, while both goalkeepers have stressed that collective success remains their priority.
If selected against Curacao, Neuer will earn his 125th appearance for Germany in what Nagelsmann described as a challenging return to competitive action after a lengthy absence.
Baumann featured in Germany’s final warm-up match before the tournament, helping the team secure a 2-1 victory over the United States.
With his fitness improving and expectations rising, Neuer is now poised to make a highly anticipated return when Germany begin their campaign against tournament outsiders Curacao on Sunday.
