Manuel Neuer to retire from the German national team following the FIFA World Cup

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the end of his international career, bringing down the curtain on one of the most distinguished spells in German football history.

The 40-year-old shot-stopper announced on Thursday that he will retire from national team duty after the tournament, ending speculation over his future following his surprise return to the squad after initially stepping away following Euro 2024.

Neuer, who captained Germany to World Cup glory in 2014, is featuring in his fifth consecutive World Cup as the country's first-choice goalkeeper. He had retired from international football after Germany's quarter-final exit at Euro 2024 on home soil but was recalled by coach Julian Nagelsmann after an impressive second half of the season with Bayern Munich.

“I stepped back in 2024 after a successful home Euro, and at the time it felt like the right decision,” Neuer said at a press conference. “Continuing with the national team over the last two years would have been too demanding from a sporting perspective.

“It is clear to me that this is my final tournament. I do not see myself returning for the next European Championship in two years. I know these are my last matches for Germany, but I want to focus on the games ahead rather than any farewell celebrations.”

Neuer was preferred ahead of Oliver Baumann, who had previously been designated Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper for the World Cup before Neuer’s return. The veteran marked his comeback with his first international appearance in two years, helping Germany secure a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao in their opening Group E match.

He said he and Baumann had maintained a positive relationship despite the competition for the starting spot.

“We work together, support each other and train for the team,” Neuer said. “When I returned, we discussed the situation openly and how everything came about.”

Germany can secure a place in the knockout stage with a win over Ivory Coast on Saturday, a result that would see them advance with a game to spare. The four-time world champions are looking to move beyond the disappointment of group-stage eliminations at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

“Our focus is on qualifying from the group. We are not thinking about previous tournaments,” Neuer said. “The next challenge is Ivory Coast. If we can progress after the second match, it would be a special achievement and allow us to look ahead.”

Should Germany go on to lift the trophy, Neuer would become the first German player to win two World Cups. However, the veteran goalkeeper said he is already grateful for the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage once more.

“It is a gift to be here again,” he said. “Winning the World Cup for a second time would be extraordinary, but I would not have returned if I did not believe this team was capable of achieving it.”