Germany XI vs Curacao: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup today | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer ready for international return but Lennart Karl misses tournament

Manuel Neuer has been declared fit to start as Germany open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Curacao today.

The veteran Bayern Munich captain suffered a calf injury in the final Bundesliga match of the season last month, forcing him to sit out both pre-tournament friendlies against Finland and the United States.

In his absence, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann got the nod in between the sticks ahead of Alexander Nubel and was on standby to start Sunday’s Group E opener.

However, Neuer is now likely to make his return to international football in Houston and earn a 125th cap having reversed his decision to retire following Euro 2024, with Julian Nagelsmann confirming on the eve of the game that the 40-year-old is available.

The good news for Nagelsmann is that he has the luxury of naming his strongest possible team with no fresh injury concerns after losing Bayern youngster Lennart Karl to a thigh muscle tear sustained before the tournament.

Captain Joshua Kimmich is set for a right-back role despite impressing in central midfield for Bayern this season. Joining him in defence should be club team-mate Jonathan Tah, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown.

Return: Manuel Neuer has not played for Germany in almost two years

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Aleksandar Pavlovic is set to be partnered by Felix Nmecha in central midfield, providing support to an interchangeable attacking trio of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane behind the striker, Kai Havertz.

The Arsenal forward is in decent form having scored in the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain as well as the opener for Germany in their 2-1 friendly win over USA.

Predicted Germany XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz

Time and date: 6pm BST on Sunday June 14, 2026