Neuer to start for Germany in fifth World Cup
"All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann said at his pre-match press conference.
Manuel Neuer of Germany safes the ball during the training session of Germany at W. Dennie Spry Soccer Stadium one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. (Photos by Getty Images via AFP)
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HOUSTON — Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Germany against Curacao in his fifth World Cup, coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Saturday.
"All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann said at his pre-match press conference.
Sunday's game in Houston against the World Cup debutants will be the 40-year-old goalkeeper's first appearance for Germany for nearly two years.
Nagelsmann brought him out of international retirement after he helped Bayern win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semi-finals this season.
The 2014 World Cup-winner has had to nurse a calf injury in the buildup to the 2026 tournament and played no part in the 4-0 friendly win against Finland and the 2-0 victory against the USA.
13 June 2026, United States, Winston-Salem: Soccer: National Team, Germany, final training session ahead of the first World Cup match against Curaçao; goalkeepers Manuel Neuer (left) and Oliver Baumann talk to each other during training.
Nagelsmann compared the meeting of the four-time World Cup winners with the team from the tiny Caribbean island to a domestic club match.
"This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath," he said.
The Curacao players "are all well-trained and can go into the tournament without pressure. That always makes an opponent dangerous," Nagelsmann said.
"We're going to try to show our best level."