Manuel Neuer, 40, comes out of international retirement to make Germany World Cup squad | OneFootball

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been successfully coaxed out of international retirement by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, securing a place in the 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The 40-year-old had announced his retirement following the 2024 European Championship, making his inclusion a significant U-turn for the national team.

Neuer’s recall comes as a considerable setback for Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann, who had reportedly been assured of the number one spot. Until recently, Baumann, 35, maintained that Nagelsmann had confirmed him as the starting goalkeeper for the tournament.

Despite this personal disappointment, Baumann, known for his team-first attitude across more than 500 Bundesliga appearances, is expected to maintain his professionalism.

Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, once considered Neuer’s natural successor, has been plagued by injuries, making only two appearances for Girona after joining on loan in January.

Julian Nagelsmann has brought Neuer back into his squad (AP)

Neuer, with 124 caps compared to Baumann’s 11, last featured for Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, an extra-time 2-1 loss to eventual champions Spain. His recent outstanding performances for Bayern Munich, particularly in the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, are understood to have swayed Nagelsmann.

However, concerns persist regarding Neuer’s recurring injury issues. He was forced off early during Bayern’s final Bundesliga match of the season due to muscular problems in his left calf, casting doubt over his availability for the German Cup final.

In an effort to build anticipation, the German Football Federation (DFB) adopted a staggered approach to announcing the World Cup squad, revealing players one by one before Nagelsmann’s official declaration.

Midfielder Joshua Kimmich was among the first confirmed, alongside Deniz Undav, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz, and Bayern star Jamal Musiala. Musiala’s inclusion follows impressive club form and a successful recovery from a broken leg sustained at the Club World Cup in July.

Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown will also add to his three international appearances. Bayern forward Serge Gnabry has been ruled out due to injury, while young teammate Lennart Karl has recovered in time to make the squad.

Four-time champions Germany will compete in Group E against Ivory Coast, Ecuador and newcomers Curacao, as they aim for a fifth World Cup title.

Preparations are scheduled to commence in Herzogenaurach on 27 May, two days later than initially planned.

The team will play warm-up matches against Finland in Mainz on 31 May, followed by a fixture 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),

Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray)