Neuer, who had been managing a calf injury, missed Germany’s warm-up wins over Finland and the United States. | Photo Credit: Getty Images via AFP

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on Saturday that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start against Curaçao on Sunday, marking his return to international football at a fifth FIFA World Cup.

“All the players are fit and Manu will start,” Nagelsmann said at his pre-match press conference.

The match in Houston will be Neuer’s first appearance for Germany in nearly two years. The 40-year-old last represented his country in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal defeat to Spain and has 124 caps to his name.

Nagelsmann brought the 2014 World Cup winner out of international retirement after he played a key role in helping Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title and reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals this season.

Neuer had been managing a calf injury in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup and did not feature in Germany’s 4-0 friendly win over Finland or its 2-0 victory against the United States.

Nagelsmann likened Germany’s opening match against World Cup debutant Curaçao to a classic cup upset scenario.

“This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath,” he said.

The Germany coach warned against underestimating the Caribbean side.

“The Curaçao players are all well-trained and can go into the tournament without pressure. That always makes an opponent dangerous,” Nagelsmann said.

“You never win a match just because you’re favourites. We will win a match only if we produce a perfect performance.

“We’re going to try to show our best level.”

Published on Jun 14, 2026