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Manuel Neuer is set to don the Germany jersey once again after deciding to come out of international retirement ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who had stepped away from international duty in 2024, has been persuaded by head coach Julian Nagelsmann to resume his role as Germany’s number one.

According to reports from Sky Sport, one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of German football is about to happen, with Neuer ready to return to the national setup. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich icon has reached an understanding with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and German Football Association (DFB) sporting director Rudi Völler to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Over the past few weeks, the trio have stayed in regular contact, holding numerous discussions about the possibility of the 2014 World Cup champion ending his international exile. Nagelsmann, who has personally watched Neuer in recent matches, is reportedly highly impressed by the veteran’s consistency and form. The coach believes Neuer’s “experience and winning mentality” will be crucial for Germany’s ambitions on football’s biggest stage.

Neuer’s return at the age of 40 mirrors the successful comeback of Toni Kroos for Euro 2024. Having retired from international football in August 2024 after earning 124 caps, Neuer is now expected to reclaim his starting position immediately. His return to the pitch in a Germany shirt may come as early as May 31 in a friendly against Finland in Mainz or on June 6 against the USA in Chicago.

To make the return possible, Neuer’s name was added to the confidential 55-man provisional list submitted by the DFB to FIFA—an essential procedural step for eligibility in the official 26-man squad that Nagelsmann is expected to announce on May 21.

However, Neuer’s comeback brings disappointment for Oliver Baumann. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper, who had become the clear first-choice during the World Cup qualifying campaign, was widely tipped to lead Germany in the tournament. With Neuer’s reinstatement, the 34-year-old is now expected to move back into a backup role.

Following Hoffenheim’s 4-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, Baumann addressed questions about the situation with composure. “I’m heading into preparation and then the World Cup with full confidence. He has shown his trust in me. That’s all,” Baumann commented. “I have my information from my conversation with Julian. It was a one-on-one talk.”

Meanwhile, Neuer has remained reserved in public about his international return. After Bayern Munich’s 5-1 win over Koln, where he was substituted in the 60th minute due to a minor calf issue, the captain chose to focus on club matters. “That’s not a topic for today. Today we’re celebrating the championship; next week, we have an important cup match,” he said.

Neuer did confirm that he has been in regular contact with Nagelsmann “throughout the year,” but declined to address questions regarding the DFB’s internal decisions or the implications for Baumann. When asked whether taking over the starting spot from the Hoffenheim keeper would be unfair, Neuer responded, “I can’t comment on that. Ask him [Nagelsmann] tonight; he’s on Sportstudio. That’s not a question for me.”