Manuel Neuer’s return was the big news when Germany’s roster for the 2026 World Cup was announced.

The veteran Bayern Munich goalkeeper, who had stepped aside after the Euros two years ago, has returned to defend the German goal at 40 thanks to Julian Nagelsmann’s powers of persuasion. The head coach has once again chosen the Munich captain as his starter, a turn of events that represents a brutal setback for Oliver Baumann, the Hoffenheim keeper who had been the four-time world champions’ No 1 throughout qualifying after Marc-André ter Stegen’s injuries.

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What is Germany’s World Cup roster?

The squad unveiled at the German federation’s headquarters in Frankfurt also confirmed several notable absences. Said El Mala, Cologne’s young jewel, ultimately did not make the list despite several media outlets suggesting he would. Matthias Ginter was also left out, one day after losing the Europa League final with Freiburg against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. With the center back absent, Neuer is the only 2014 World Cup winner in Germany’s squad for the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Nagelsmann brings back Germany’s big names

Germany are led by Joshua Kimmich and features several heavyweights recently back from injury, including Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger and Felix Nmecha. Maximilian Beier and Nadiem Amiri also stand out after being absent from recent squads, while 18-year-old Lennart Karl had been due to travel across the pond but was forced to withdraw through injury. He was replaced by fellow youngster Assan Ouédraogo.

Germany qualified for the round of 32 as Group E winners with a game to spare.

Germany squad in full

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart)

Defenders: Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Assan Ouédraogo (RB Leipzig).

Forwards: Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund), Leroy Sané (Galatasaray), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)

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