Germany returns Manuel Neuer in 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup

The Germany national football team have announced their 26-member squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the headline inclusion being the return of veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The 40-year-old, who had previously retired from international football after UEFA Euro 2024, has been recalled by head coach Julian Nagelsmann and named as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament.

Nagelsmann announced the squad at a press conference in Frankfurt on Thursday (May 21), confirming that Joshua Kimmich will captain the side in the World Cup.

The squad also includes the return of Jamal Musiala after recovering from injury, alongside key names such as Leroy Sané, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Groß and Malick Thiaw.

Neuer is the only remaining member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad to feature in this year’s tournament.

Germany 26-Man Squad (Summary)

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer, Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel

Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, David Raum, Malick Thiaw, Nathaniel Brown

Midfielders: Felix Nmecha, Pascal Groß, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, Angelo Stiller, Lennart Karl, Nadiem Amiri, Joshua Kimmich, Alexander Pavlović, Jamie Leweling

Forwards: Kai Havertz, Deniz Undav, Leroy Sané, Nick Woltemade, Maximilian Beier