Manuel Neuer has confirmed that he will step away from Germany national team duty for a second time following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The legendary Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who reversed his initial retirement decision to join Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for this summer's tournament, is aiming to end his illustrious international career by lifting a second world title.
A final international chapter for Germany's No.1
The 40-year-old Bayern Munich icon had previously hung up his gloves for Die Mannschaft after Euro 2024, but he was convinced to return to the fold after showing vintage form at club level.
Speaking at a press conference, Neuer explained the reasoning behind his initial departure. "I stepped back in 2024 with a good reason after a good home Euro. For me it was the right decision. It felt right," he told reporters. "It would have been too much of a sporting burden for me (to have kept playing for the national team) for the last two years."
The clear road to retirement
Despite his successful reintegration into the starting XI under Nagelsmann, Neuer is adamant that there will be no further U-turns regarding his future. He is relishing his fifth consecutive World Cup appearance but is already preparing for life after the national team once the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico concludes.
Neuer was emphatic about his plans, stating: "For me it is clear that this is my last tournament. I do not plan to be there in two years time for the next Euro. In the last days I have dealt with the fact that these are the last games for Germany. But I want to look forward to all the games and not to any goodbye shirts."
Managing the goalkeeping hierarchy
Neuer’s return pushed Oliver Baumann back to the bench, despite the Hoffenheim keeper being touted as the tournament's starter during Neuer's absence. However, the veteran shot-stopper insists there is no friction within the camp following his performance in the 7-1 opening win over Curacao, which marked his first Germany appearance in two years.
"We work together with Oliver. We support each other and train for the team. After coming together we discussed things and talked about how it came about (with my return)," Neuer explained. This collaborative environment is seen as vital as Germany looks to banish the ghosts of recent group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
