National soccer team: Neuer about World Cup: “Not an issue today”

There had recently been speculation that Neuer could return to national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team for the World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico. Neuer reported that there had been no contact with the former Bayern coach in the past few days. “We’ve been in contact all year, just like we do with other former coaches and those in charge. There was nothing special there.”

Matthäus on Neuer’s possible World Cup appearance: “More likely yes”

Sky expert Lothar Matthäus interpreted the statements that the chances of Neuer being at the World Cup are higher: “For me it’s more like yes than no,” said Matthäus. “For me, Manuel Neuer is the best German goalkeeper and the best should play.”

In the last Bundesliga game of the season, Neuer was substituted after an hour for his substitute Jonas Urbig. This also happened with a view to the DFB Cup final next Saturday against VfB Stuttgart in Berlin, said the veteran. “I felt something in my calf, so I didn’t want to take any risks, also because of next week. That’s why I preferred to say that I felt something.”

On Friday, Neuer extended his contract with FC Bayern by one year until the summer of 2027. From the 2010 World Cup to the 2024 European Championships, he was number one in the German goal at all major tournaments. He resigned after the home tournament two years ago. With 124 international matches, he is Germany’s record keeper. His greatest success was winning the title at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Baumann as a safe support

Until the end, the goalkeeper had repeatedly and credibly emphasized that his resignation from the national team was set in stone. Of course, he announced it two years ago with the assumption that Nagelsmann would from now on rely on Marc-André ter Stegen as number one.

That was actually the national coach’s plan, but it was ultimately thwarted by ter Stegen’s repeated injuries. This gave deputy Oliver Baumann an unexpected opportunity. The Hoffenheim player was a reliable support throughout the entire World Cup qualification in the second half of 2025 and rose to number one.