While Hugo Lloris said he was ready to return to the French team, four years after retiring internationally, here is another renowned goalkeeper candidate for participation in the 2026 World Cup. Also removed from his selection after announcing his international retirement in August 2024, Manuel Neuer should return through the front door to Germany.
As of Thursday, the name of the Bayern Munich goalkeeper was announced as appearing in the pre-list filed with FIFA by Julian Nagelsmann. According to an indiscretion from Sky Sport, the German coach was able to find the right words to convince the forty-year-old to come back and lend a hand to the Mannschaft.
The sporting director, Rudi Völler, would also have participated in the discussions to finish convincing Manuel Neuer. And this return would have nothing to do with what could have been that of Hugo Lloris who would have only been the third goalkeeper if Didier Deschamps had retained him. For Manuel Neuer, it would be neither more nor less the number one position that would be assigned to him.
Manuel Neuer, final answer on May 21
Great news which, however, is not reassuring for a German selection lacking successors for this position. Alexander Nübel and Oliver Baumann will be on the trip, but have not yet completely convinced. The latter was also expected to be the starting German goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup. Marc-André Ter Stegen has long been the one who should take up the torch, but the former FC Barcelona goalkeeper is undermined by injuries.
We now have to wait a few more days to find out if Manuel Neuer will be in the final list that Julian Nagelsmann will announce on May 21. The German coach will reveal the names of the 26 players selected. He will then have to decide on the hierarchy of goalkeepers. For Manuel Neuer, a fifth participation in a World Cup seems imminent.
