Currently still ailing: Manuel Neuer aims for World Cup record | OneFootball

Manuel Neuer, who is currently preparing for the 2026 World Cup, is still suffering from calf problems. He is currently undergoing individual training and has been able to increase his workload. The aim is for him to be in goal for the World Cup opener against Curacao

The game could also be a very special one for the national goalkeeper. As the last major tournament for him, the World Cup has special potential

All the more so because Neuer actually announced his retirement two years ago, but has now returned at the call of national coach Julian Nagelsmann

Neuer can snatch World Cup record

A record now awaits him at the forthcoming tournament in North America, and Neuer seems keen to break it

Neuer played his last World Cup match in Qatar 2022. In the 4-2 win in the third group game against Costa Rica, which did not save the Germans from the tournament exit, Neuer was in goal for the 19th time in a World Cup match. He thus secured the record ahead of players such as Claudio Taffarel and Sepp Maier

photo: Getty Images

However, he was overtaken by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who is now the record goalkeeper with 20 World Cup appearances. Neuer wants to break this mark and would set it on his first appearance in this tournament. So if it’s enough against Cuaraco, he could overtake Lloris against the Ivory Coast and secure the record as the keeper with the most appearances

And, of course, the further the German team progresses in the tournament, the more Neuer could extend his record. Neuer’s aim is to play a good role with the German team in this tournament, knowing full well that the DFB team is not one of the hottest contenders for the title. Moreover, very strong opponents loom from the round of 16 onwards.