Manuel Neuer completed his first full training session with the German national team on 9 June at the squad's base camp in North Carolina, putting to rest lingering doubts over his fitness ahead of Germany's FIFA World Cup opener against Curacao on 14 June in Houston. Around 3,000 fans attended the public session, cheering the Bayern Munich goalkeeper's return at the age of 40.

Nagelsmann Confirms Neuer for Opener

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer will start the group-stage match against Curacao, marking the veteran's first appearance in a Germany shirt since the UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Spain. The 38-year-old coach expressed confidence in his goalkeeper's readiness. 'He doesn't need to get used to the procedures; he can handle the pressure easily,' Nagelsmann said.

Nagelsmann added that a week of regular training would be sufficient preparation for Neuer, describing the assignment as a 'cold start' for what will be the goalkeeper's 125th international appearance.

The Calf Injury That Raised Doubts

Neuer's participation had been in question after he sustained a calf injury in recent weeks, which forced him into individual recovery training and cast uncertainty over his availability for the tournament's opening stages. His return to full-squad sessions on 9 June effectively cleared those concerns, at least in Nagelsmann's assessment.

Baumann's Difficult Displacement

The situation has been particularly testing for Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who had inherited the number-one jersey following Neuer's retirement from international football two years ago, only to be displaced upon Neuer's surprise recall. 'It was hard to take at first. It was far from cool,' the 36-year-old Baumann acknowledged, while pledging his 'full support for the team.'

Baumann started Germany's final pre-tournament warm-up fixture, a 2-1 win over the United States, and Nagelsmann praised his professional response to the difficult circumstances. 'If we were to talk about a 22-year-old youngster, it would be tricky. But Manuel is experienced enough to manage,' the coach noted.

A Controversial Return

Neuer's recall has sparked a sharp debate among pundits and supporters over whether bringing back a 40-year-old goalkeeper — one who had publicly announced his international retirement — was the right call. Critics have questioned the fairness to Baumann, while supporters point to Neuer's pedigree as a 2014 FIFA World Cup winner and one of the most decorated goalkeepers in the game's history.

Notably, this is not the first time Neuer has defied expectations of age and injury: his career has been punctuated by serious physical setbacks, each followed by a return to elite level.

What Happens Next

All eyes will be on Neuer when Germany face group underdog Curacao in Houston on 14 June. Baumann, meanwhile, has signalled his intent to stay focused on collective goals. 'There is a major challenge ahead of us, and we want to perform as a team. That includes everyone in the squad,' he said.