Nagelsmann Reveals Key Starter Ahead of Opening Match: 40-Year-Old Legend Returns to Germany's Goal

Pulse Sports Team 06:08 - 14 June 2026

Germany's national football team will start Manuel Neuer in goal for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Curaçao on Sunday. This was confirmed by Julian Nagelsmann, coach of the four-time world champions, at the pre-match press conference.

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"All players are healthy and ready. Manu will be our starting goalkeeper against Curaçao," Nagelsmann stated to accredited media. The 40-year-old Neuer returns to the national team aiming for a second title, having won his first at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He boasts 124 international caps, with his most recent appearance in 2024 during the quarter-finals of the home European Championship against Spain.