Manuel Neuer

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Manuel Neuer's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a subject of considerable discussion, especially given his recent international retirement and subsequent speculation about a potential return.

Current Club Form and Contract:

Manuel Neuer, at 39 years old, continues to play for and captain Bundesliga club Bayern Munich. He extended his contract with Bayern until June 2026, indicating his intention to play at the highest club level up to and possibly through the World Cup year. His recent performances for Bayern Munich in the 2024-2025 and early 2025-2026 seasons demonstrate his continued high level of play. For example, in the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season, he has maintained a save percentage of 56% and kept 5 clean sheets in 12 matches, conceding an average of 0.92 goals per 90 minutes. He also achieved his 250th clean sheet with Bayern Munich in October 2024 and played his 150th Champions League match for the club in March 2025. In September 2025, he became the oldest Bayern player to appear in a Champions League match, at 39 years and 174 days old.

International Retirement and Speculation of Return:

Neuer officially retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2024, where his final appearance for Germany was in their quarter-final defeat to Spain. However, shortly after his retirement in August 2024, reports emerged that Neuer was planning to continue his career with the national team, a stark contrast to other veteran players like Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller who had retired. This speculation intensified in late 2024 and mid-2025.

A significant factor contributing to these discussions has been the injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, who was expected to be Germany's number one goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup cycle. Ter Stegen's knee injury in September 2024 led to a "goalkeeper problem" for Germany, opening the door for a potential Neuer comeback. While the German Football Association (DFB) was initially not discussing his return in September 2024, by July 2025, Sport Bild reported that Neuer was open to making a return. Further reports in September 2025 highlighted the debate over his return amid "doubts and criticism" surrounding the German national team and their need for leaders, especially after a challenging start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Although Neuer himself stated in September 2025 that he had no intention of returning, his agent, Thomas Kroth, indicated that Neuer "would not reject" a call-up if the German coach believed there was an issue in goal.

Analysis and Prospects for FIFA World Cup 2026:

Manuel Neuer's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are complex. On one hand, his continued high-level performance and contract extension with Bayern Munich suggest he remains physically capable and motivated. His experience and leadership qualities are undeniable, having captained Germany 60 times and won the World Cup in 2014.

On the other hand, his age (he will be 40 during the 2026 World Cup) and the stated desire of national team coach Julian Nagelsmann to rejuvenate the squad present potential obstacles. While Ter Stegen's injury created a temporary void, there are other emerging German goalkeepers like Alexander Nübel, Kevin Trapp, and Oliver Baumann who could establish themselves.

Ultimately, Neuer's potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup hinges on several factors:

• His continued form and fitness: Despite a recent hamstring tear in December 2025, which will keep him out for a short period, he is expected to return to full fitness in January 2026.
• Julian Nagelsmann's plans: The coach's strategy for squad rejuvenation versus the need for experienced leadership will be crucial.
• The performance and fitness of other German goalkeepers: If Ter Stegen fully recovers and performs strongly, or if another goalkeeper consistently impresses, it could reduce the pressure for Neuer to return.
• Neuer's own willingness: Despite his current stance of not intending to return, the possibility of him reversing his decision if approached by the national team remains.

Given his enduring quality and the recent uncertainties in the German goalkeeping position, a return for Manuel Neuer to the national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup cannot be entirely ruled out, despite his earlier retirement. However, it would likely require specific circumstances, including a sustained need for his experience and a change of heart from the player himself or a strong persuasion from the national team management.