Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to start for Germany in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Curacao on Sunday, head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed, ending speculation over the 40-year-old's fitness after a left calf injury sidelined him for nearly a month.

Neuer's Road Back to Fitness

Neuer sustained the calf injury during Bayern Munich's final Bundesliga match of the season in late May, forcing him to miss Germany's pre-tournament friendly wins over Finland and the United States. His recovery ahead of the tournament opener was closely monitored by the German camp.

Nagelsmann put all doubts to rest on Sunday, telling reporters: 'All the players are fit, and Manu will start.' The confirmation ends a period of uncertainty that had lingered over Germany's goalkeeping plans heading into the tournament.

A Record-Equalling Appearance

Neuer's start against Curacao will be his first international appearance in nearly two years. His last outing for the national side came in Germany's quarterfinal defeat to Spain at UEFA Euro 2024, after which he stepped back from international duty.

Nagelsmann persuaded the former captain to return following an impressive domestic campaign — Neuer helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title and reach the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Sunday's match will also see him equal the German record for most World Cup appearances by a player, matching the mark set by former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus. It will be Neuer's fifth World Cup.

He is also the sole surviving member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad in the current setup, and is expected to bring critical experience to a relatively young group. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, preparing for his own World Cup debut, acknowledged Neuer's influence, noting that the goalkeeper's presence had been important 'both on and off the pitch.'

Germany's Form and Tournament Stakes

Germany arrive at the tournament in commanding form, having won each of their last nine matches across all competitions. Their 2026 warm-up schedule included victories over Switzerland, Ghana, Finland, and World Cup co-hosts USA.

Yet the context carries weight beyond statistics. Germany were eliminated in the group stage at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups — back-to-back early exits that represented the lowest ebb for a nation that has lifted the trophy in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014. The current tournament represents a significant opportunity for redemption.

Nagelsmann's Warning Against Complacency

Despite Germany being heavy favourites against tournament debutants Curacao, Nagelsmann was measured in his pre-match assessment. 'It is a David versus Goliath situation, but you never win a match simply because you are favourites. We will win only if we produce a very good performance,' he said.

The caution is pointed — Germany's recent World Cup history offers a stark reminder that pedigree alone guarantees nothing. How they handle Sunday's opener could set the tone for the rest of their campaign.