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Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been persuaded to come out of international retirement by Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann, earning a place in the 26-man roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The 40-year-old had earlier announced his retirement after the 2024 European Championship, making this selection a major reversal for both the player and the national side.

Neuer’s return has come as a blow to Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, who was reportedly told he would be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper. Baumann, now 35, had maintained that Nagelsmann had assured him of the starting position for the tournament.

Despite the setback, Baumann—renowned for his professionalism and team-first approach after over 500 Bundesliga appearances—is expected to continue showing full commitment to the national team setup.

Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, once seen as Neuer’s long-term replacement, has struggled with injuries and managed only two appearances for Girona since joining them on loan in January.

Neuer, who boasts 124 caps compared to Baumann’s 11, last featured for Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, a 2-1 extra-time defeat to eventual champions Spain. His recent stellar displays for Bayern Munich, particularly in their Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid, are said to have influenced Nagelsmann’s decision.

Nevertheless, concerns remain about Neuer’s fitness. He was substituted early in Bayern’s final Bundesliga fixture of the season due to a muscle strain in his left calf, raising questions about his readiness for the German Cup final.

To build excitement, the German Football Federation (DFB) revealed players for the World Cup squad one by one before Nagelsmann made the official full announcement.

Midfielder Joshua Kimmich was among the first names confirmed, joined by Deniz Undav, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz, and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala. Musiala earned his place after an outstanding domestic season and a strong recovery from a broken leg suffered during the Club World Cup in July.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s left-back Nathaniel Brown will add to his three senior international appearances. Bayern forward Serge Gnabry misses out due to injury, while young teammate Lennart Karl has recovered in time to secure his inclusion.

Four-time world champions Germany will line up in Group E alongside Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and debutants Curacao, as they target a record-equalling fifth World Cup crown.

The team’s preparations are set to begin in Herzogenaurach on 27 May, two days later than originally planned.

Germany will play two warm-up matches — against Finland in Mainz on 31 May, and then against the United States in Chicago on 6 June.

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)

Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), David Raum (Leipzig), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Pascal Groß (Brighton), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlović (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)