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Germany’s national goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (36) has candidly shared his emotions about being relegated to the backup role in the DFB squad, admitting that the decision was initially difficult to accept.

Following Germany’s 2-1 victory over the USA – their ninth consecutive win – the in-form 1899 Hoffenheim goalkeeper told RTL that he was “very pleased” with his own display.

Attention then turned to Manuel Neuer (40) and head coach Julian Nagelsmann (38), who decided to recall the multiple World Goalkeeper of the Year for the World Cup and reinstate him as the team’s first-choice keeper ahead of Baumann.

“It was tough in the beginning; I didn’t feel completely comfortable with it,” Baumann admitted. However, he made it clear that stepping away from the national team was never an option: “From the start, my mindset was that I’m here for the team. Skipping it wasn’t a consideration; it’s my World Cup too. I want to contribute and do my part. Now it’s about keeping focus on myself and the team.”

When asked to elaborate, the Hoffenheim goalkeeper chose not to expand further: “I’ll leave it at that and won’t go into more detail. The situation is what it is. We’ve got a few weeks ahead and we’ll give everything to make it successful.”

He also underlined that his relationship with Neuer remains strong: “Our understanding is good, and we’ll do whatever it takes to ensure the team performs well.”

Nagelsmann confirms Neuer to start against Curaçao

Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer, who has fully recovered from a calf problem, will rejoin the team in training upon their arrival in Winston-Salem and will start in goal for Germany’s World Cup opener against Curaçao. “He’ll begin training with the team as soon as we reach Winston-Salem – that’s the plan – and then he’ll play against Curaçao,” Nagelsmann stated.

The coach also extended “a huge compliment” to Baumann, the former Freiburg goalkeeper who had stood in for Neuer during the two warm-up fixtures in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Nagelsmann praised his professionalism, noting that Baumann had “put himself at the service of the team” in an exemplary way.

As for Neuer starting without recent match practice, Nagelsmann appeared unconcerned: “He’s in good shape; he’s approaching top fitness. At his age and experience level, he doesn’t need a settling period. He can handle the pressure.”

Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad