Germany 2026 World Cup squad announcement: Neuer returns
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. With most
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. With most of the surprises reported by local news in the days before the official announcement, the edge was taken off the squad reveal. Nevertheless, the headline news is the shock return of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who retired from international football after Euro 2024. The 40-year-old has enjoyed a strong season at Bayern Munich, particularly in the Champions League, but has also battled injuries. He recently signed a new one-year contract despite rumors of impending retirement. Nagelsmann made it clear that Neuer would be the No. 1. "We told Oli [Baumann] back in March that we'd had a meeting with Manu," Nagelsmann said of the decision, admitting that it had been a blow for the Hoffenheim keeper but that he was still ready to help the team. "My focus is on nominating the best three goalkeepers in the country and they are the best three," he added. "We called him and asked him if he wanted to play for Germany again, and he wanted to play at the tournament. His sporting ability was considered above all, but we also wanted to know whether he was going to keep playing or retiring," Nagelsmann said. "Everyone knows what kind of aura Manu has because of the experience he has and the titles he has won." When pressed on his communication, Nagelsmann was open in his response.
"There are always things you can look back on and say you could have done better, but I have no guarantee that it will be received much better," he said. "Football is a daily business. Please understand that not every detail of my conversations with the players can be made public. I try to explain things thoroughly and keep people informed. Sometimes I'm not as successful as I'd like to be, and sometimes I am." The other big news was the selection of teenager Lennart Karl (18). Karl has impressed for Bayern this season and also looked comfortable when making his Germany debut earlier this year. Felix Nmecha recovered from injury in time to make the squad, with Nagelsmann saying the midfielder had all the tools to become one of the best in his position in the world. Lennart Karl has impressed enough for Bayern to be in Germany's World Cup squad Image: ActionPictures/IMAGO Amiri and Sane in, Bischof and El Mala out Elsewhere in the squad, Nadiem Amiri, the German-born midfielder whose parents are from Afghanistan, made the final 26. Youngster Maxi Beier was favored, along with LeroySane, whose flashes of quality in Germany colors were enough to make the cut. "He has huge appreciation in the team and he is excellent in tight spaces," Nagelsmann said. Nathaniel Brown was also included, with Nagelsmann saying the right back probably didn't even realize how good he is. Both Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller and Jamie Leweling also made the final 26, with the Germany head coach citing the latter's one-on-one skills as a key factor in his decision.
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