Baumann loses regular place! Nagelsmann backs Neuer for the 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

The DFB goalkeeper issue appears to have been decided. According to the latest reports, national coach Julian Nagelsmann is once again planning to use Manuel Neuer as number 1 at the 2026 World Cup – and not Oliver Baumann

As reported by BILD, Nagelsmann has already made his decision and informed Oliver Baumann personally. Despite his demotion, the Hoffenheim man will remain part of the German World Cup squad as a substitute keeper

This marks the start of a spectacular return for Manuel Neuer to the national team. The 40-year-old had actually ended his DFB career after the 2024 European Championship at home. Now the 2014 world champion could once again stand between the posts at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico of all places

According to reports, Neuer was informed by Nagelsmann by telephone that the national coach is planning to use him as a regular keeper at the World Cup

The official 26-man squad is to be announced on Thursday

Baumann accepts the decision

photo: IMAGO

The development is particularly bitter for Oliver Baumann. The 35-year-old was the clear number one in the German goal throughout the World Cup qualifiers and had publicly emphasized several times that he expected to be a regular in the World Cup

Nagelsmann had also repeatedly expressed his confidence in him in recent months. According to BILD, Baumann has now accepted the decision and will continue to serve the team

On Saturday, Nagelsmann had avoided making any direct statements on the goalkeeping issue in the ZDF sports studio. The national coach repeatedly stated that personal discussions with all players would have to take place before any decisions were made public

At the same time, Nagelsmann clearly criticized the premature media reports surrounding Neuer and accused Sky of „trumpeting“ information

Calf problems continue to cause question marks

However, the decision is not entirely without risk. Neuer had to be substituted with calf problems during FC Bayern’s 5:1 win against 1. FC Köln. As things stand, however, the injury is not thought to be serious

The record-breaking keeper could be back between the posts on Saturday in the DFB Cup final against VfB Stuttgart

Neuer is Germany’s record goalkeeper with 124 caps, and his greatest success remains the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil, where he was one of the defining players of the tournament

Now, almost two years after his retirement, the Bayern captain could write one last great chapter in the DFB jersey.