Manuel Neuer Declared Fit for Germany’s World Cup Opener Against Curaçao

Posted : 14 June 2026

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has fully recovered from a recent calf injury. The 40-year-old shot-stopper is locked in to start for the four-time world champions in their opening Group match against Curaçao on Sunday. Neuer sustained the left leg injury during Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match in May and subsequently missed the German Cup final.

Nagelsmann stated on Saturday night that the legendary goalkeeper has finally found his rhythm after intensive training sessions. The manager emphasized that a successful tournament run for Germany heavily relies on Neuer performing at his absolute peak level. The veteran entered international retirement before Nagelsmann successfully convinced him to return for this global campaign.

The tournament marks a historic milestone for the Bayern Munich captain as he participates in his fifth career World Cup. This achievement pulls him level with the longstanding national record held by midfield icon Lothar Matthäus. Neuer remains the sole surviving member of Germany's iconic 2014 World Cup-winning squad present in the current setup.

Younger members of the squad have heavily relied on Neuer’s immense leadership during the pre-tournament training camp. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović expressed massive gratitude for the constant guidance provided by his experienced club and international teammate. Germany is desperate to re-establish their footballing dominance following humiliating consecutive group-stage exits at previous tournaments.

The European giants enter the fixture as overwhelming favorites against Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup. The match features a historic dugout battle between the 38-year-old Nagelsmann and Curaçao’s 78-year-old manager Dick Advocaat. This iconic 40-year age gap represents the largest managerial discrepancy in the history of the tournament.

Advocaat praised Nagelsmann's rapid rise, noting that managing a elite national team at such a young age requires special technical qualities. The veteran Dutch manager previously led the Netherlands and South Korea during past editions of the global showpiece. Germany will aim to secure all three points to take control of their group standings from day one.

Manuel Neuer Declared Fit for Germany’s World Cup Opener Against Curaçao

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