Nagelsmann confirms Manuel Neuer will be Germany's starting goalkeeper at the World Cup | OneFootball

After announcing his international retirement following the Euros two years ago, Manuel Neuer is back in the national team.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann included the 40-year-old FC Bayern Munich veteran in his squad for the 2026 World Cup, which was unveiled on Thursday afternoon.

Julian Nagelsmann also confirmed that the plan is for Manuel Neuer to be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament, meaning Oliver Baumann of TSG Hoffenheim will serve as the backup despite starting throughout the World Cup qualification campaign.

“I plan to use him (Neuer) as the number one," Nagelsmann said when asked about his decision to bring Neuer back into his squad.

"My job was to pick the three best goalkeepers in the country. That’s why we contacted Manuel Neuer and asked whether he wanted to play another World Cup. One of the conditions was also that he keeps playing after the World Cup, and he has extended his contract with Bayern. 

“Everyone knows his qualities and what he brings to the team. He has once again committed to playing a tournament. We also have a world-class alternative in Oliver Baumann. That's the decision, and I think it's the right one.”

Baumann left disappointed

On how the decision was communicated to Oliver Baumann and how the 35-year-old reacted, Nagelsmann revealed:

“We already told ‘Oli’ in March that I had met with Manu and informed him about various topics. In the end, the decision was obviously a blow for Oli – and that’s understandable.

“At the same time, I really have to take my hat off to Oli because he has had a very good season, even though this topic has been building over the past few weeks. In our phone call, he was also extremely committed to the team.

“In the end, we have a similar situation to Bayern. Manu will help the team, even if he doesn’t play. Those situations can also happen, and you have to plan for them.”

Urbig to travel as training goalkeeper

Alongside the three nominated goalkeepers – Alexander Nübel, Oliver Baumann and Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich's Jonas Urbig will also travel to the World Cup, though he will not be part of the official squad.

“We want to have a fourth goalkeeper in training who throws himself into everything and gives maximum effort. He has done very well at Bayern both in matches and in training,” Nagelsmann explained.

“The second point is that we will obviously have to travel long distances. Because of the distance from Germany, it would be very difficult to react to certain situations and call someone up later. Many players also like to stay behind after training to take extra shots on goal, so it’s useful to spread the workload among more goalkeepers.

“Jonas fully deserves to be there. He may not be part of the official squad, but he will fulfil the role very well.”