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Aryan Suraj Chadha

Marc-Andre ter Stegen struggles at Barcelona open door for Manuel Neuer as Bayern Munich goalkeeper agrees to make Germany return ahead of 2026 World Cup

Following Manuel Neuer's retirement, Marc-Andre ter Stegen seemed set to be Germany's goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, but there is a major twist.

  • Neuer agrees to come out of international retirement for World Cup
  • Situation arises from Ter Stegen's long-term back injury
  • Nagelsmann requires his No.1 to be playing regularly
  • Bayern Munich v Tottenham Hotspur - Pre-Season FriendlyGetty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    German Football Association (DFB) sporting director Rudi Voller has sounded out Neuer about a potential return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup, according to a report from Bild. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper has reportedly agreed to make himself available should the need arise, despite announcing his international retirement after Euro 2024.

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  • WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND?

    The contingency plan has been formulated due to the uncertain situation surrounding Ter Stegen. The Barcelona goalkeeper was long considered the natural successor to Neuer but has been sidelined for months following back surgery. Furthermore, the 33-year-old has lost his starting position at Camp Nou to new signing Joan Garcia, casting serious doubt over his prospects for regular playing time with the Catalan club.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Neuer, 39, announced his retirement from international football in August 2024. His final appearance was in the Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to Spain, and he has earned a total of 124 caps for Germany. The goalkeeper remains in top form for Bayern Munich, having extended his contract in February 2025 to run until June 2026.

  • Marc-Andre ter StegenGetty Images

    WHAT'S NEXT?

    Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has made it clear that Ter Stegen must be playing regularly at club level to be considered for the number one spot at the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. This could necessitate a move for the Barcelona keeper during the winter transfer window to secure first-team football. Should Ter Stegen remain sidelined or on the bench, other goalkeepers in contention include Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel, Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann and Freiburg's Noah Atubolu. However, support is growing for a potential Neuer return, with his former long-time team-mate Thomas Muller recently telling Sport Bild: "If Manuel is fit by then and is in goal for FC Bayern the way I know him, then I absolutely trust him to play the role of Germany's number one at the 2026 World Cup."

    Additional reporting by Oliver Maywurm.

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