Julian Nagelsmann reveals Manuel Neuer will be fit to start Germany's 2026 FIFA World Cup opener

The 40-year-old has not played for Germany since 2024 but was convinced by Nagelsmann to come out of international retirement for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Neuer had a superb season for Bayern Munich in 2025-26, helping them to the Bundesliga title and the semi-final of the Champions League, leading many to tout him as comfortably the best German goalkeeper despite his age.

However, his inclusion in Germany's team to take on Curacao was anything but a sure thing after he picked up an injury toward the end of the club season.

Germany head coach Nagelsmann revealed that not only will he be fit to play, he has also been putting in some good performances in training.

"Neuer is definitely fit enough to start the game and he got better and better," Nagelsmann said.

"He didn't really have the rhythm, but now he found the rhythm. He played a lot, we trust him a lot and I think in order to have a good World Cup, we need Manuel in top form and I think he can bring that."

Germany's opponent Curacao will be making their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals and are being led by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest head coach in World Cup history.

"I think he's a really cool coach and a great compliment for his work," Nagelsmann said.

"I got to know him a few times and he's always kind. As a young coach I always can learn from people like him."

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