German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be the starting goalkeeper for the Panzer team for the 2026 World Cup.
"I plan to make him our number one goalkeeper," Nagelsmann was quoted as saying on the DFB website.
Nagelsmann included Neuer's name in the total of 26 players he will take to the event which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The decision to call up the Bayern Munich goalkeeper has drawn both pros and cons, given that Neuer previously decided to retire from his international career in 2024.
Nagelsmann emphasized that a reunion with his former Bayern Munich protégé was an option he had carefully considered.
"There's been a lot of discussion within the coaching staff. Everyone knows the presence he (Neuer) has and the quality he brings to the team," said Nagelsmann.
"There's no problem with our goalkeeper. It was his decision, and I think it was the right one," he added.
The 38-year-old coach believes that Neuer is still the number one goalkeeper at the moment, judging by his performance with Bayern Munich this season.
Moreover, the Bayern Munich captain is a goalkeeper whose profile best suits the attacking style of play emphasized by Nagelsmann.
In addition, the presence of this player, who was part of the German squad that won the 2014 World Cup, will add a leadership figure to the squad, which currently lacks players with leadership qualities.
Nagelsmann's decision will certainly have an impact on Oliver Baumann, who was Germany's main goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
