Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer is edging closer to a sensational international comeback after being included in Germany's 55-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite retiring from international duty following Euro 2024, the 40-year-old goalkeeper has held concrete talks with Julian Nagelsmann regarding a return as the national team’s number one, with a final decision expected ahead of the official squad announcement on May 21.
With the season finale fast approaching, Manuel Neuer is once again dominating the headlines. Yet the situation has remained virtually unchanged for weeks.
The World Cup has been the home of some of the very best players in football's history so it is little surprise that the subject of the best goal at the tournament is so hotly debated. Diego Maradona, Pele, and even Benjamin Pavard would put forward their own arguments for the prize, but which of them come out on top, if any?! GOAL guides you through the 15 best goals in the World Cup finals.
This is Legacy, GOAL's feature and podcast series that counts down to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the world's game. In this edition, we dive into how Julian Nagelsmann is trying to make Germany... Germany again. For years, the national team has drifted away from the identity that made them world champions in Brazil just 12 years ago. Now, their head coach is determined to restore it.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has unveiled his personal pick for Germany's 2026 World Cup squad, and his selections have raised eyebrows with a couple of unexpected choices.
Jurgen Klopp is not a candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, despite persistent rumors linking him to Santiago Bernabeu. The former Liverpool manager remains committed to his role as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull while eyeing the German national team job as his next coaching step. Real Madrid are currently exploring other profiles as they look to move on from a difficult campaign.
Jurgen Klopp has thrown his support behind Germany's Florian Wirtz to become one of the defining figures of the upcoming World Cup in North America. The former Liverpool boss believes his compatriot has already proven his mettle during a challenging debut campaign at Anfield and possesses all the attributes to dominate on the global stage.
Deniz Undav currently plays a supporting role under Julian Nagelsmann, yet Jurgen Klopp is highly impressed by the VfB Stuttgart striker. The former manager of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund revealed in an interview with Bild that he is a fan of the striker.
He was a regular starter and a key player for Nagelsmann during the home European Championship, yet his chances of making the World Cup squad currently appear slim—at least at first glance.
Bayern Munich have been dealt a devastating blow following the news that Serge Gnabry is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The German giants confirmed the winger has suffered a serious adductor injury that could see him miss the upcoming World Cup in North America.
National coach Nagelsmann has outlined his tournament squad less than four weeks before the squad is announced. Thanks to “his Lena”, Undav can hope again, while another debate has finally been put to bed.
Sami Khedira has launched a fierce defence of Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann following persistent media speculation regarding a potential international return for Manuel Neuer. The 2014 World Cup winner argued that the ongoing debate has actively harmed the squad’s preparation and undermined the confidence of the current first-choice option heading into the summer tournament.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has issued a formal apology to Deniz Undav after his controversial public assessment of the striker’s performance last month. The former Bayern Munich boss admitted his comments regarding the VfB Stuttgart star were too blunt and has moved to clarify their relationship ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Oliver Kahn insists he has been misinterpreted, and that his remarks about national team player Jamal Musiala possibly missing the World Cup have been taken out of context.
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