Manuel Neuer On Track For Germany's World Cup Opener, Nagelsmann Confirms

Julian Nagelsmann confirms Manuel Neuer is on schedule for the Germany World Cup campaign, despite a recent calf issue, but Neuer will not start the farewell friendly against Finland in Mainz on Sunday, as Germany open their final phase of preparation before travelling for the tournament.

Germany will test several options against Finland and then the United States on June 6, with Nagelsmann already settling on three confirmed starters. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Lennart Karl is among those selected to begin, as Nagelsmann looks to fine-tune the line-up before the World Cup opener against Curacao.

Nagelsmann explained that competition for places remains strong in attack and midfield, with various profiles under consideration. "Lennart Karl will start," Nagelsmann added. "He made a very good impression in training." The coach also outlined different roles for other forwards and detailed how the central unit will be structured.

Discussing tactical flexibility for the Germany World Cup squad, Nagelsmann highlighted the variety in his front line. "But we have different options and profiles in Jamie [Leweling] and Leroy [Sane]. Lenny will get his chance to show what he can do. Felix Nmecha and Aleks Pavlovic will start in midfield. As of [Saturday], Deniz Undav will start upfront."

Neuer, 40, had previously stepped away from international football after Euro 2024 and insisted that decision was final, yet later reversed the call and returned to Nagelsmann's squad. Neuer is still considered Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the Germany World Cup, even though the recent minor calf problem has briefly disrupted training.

Nagelsmann reported encouraging news on Neuer's fitness, stressing that the medical plan remains unchanged for the Germany World Cup schedule. "He's been running, it's looking good," Nagelsmann said of Neuer. "He has no problem, and all is going to plan. We'll make a decision before the USA friendly."

Germany World Cup records, caps and historic context

If Neuer features in Germany's opening game against Curacao on June 14 and continues throughout the Germany World Cup, Neuer is poised to become Germany's oldest player, surpassing Lothar Matthaus. Further appearances could also push Neuer higher on the country's all-time caps list.

Should Germany advance to the Germany World Cup final and Neuer play every match, Neuer would overtake Lukas Podolski, with 130 caps, and Thomas Muller, with 131. Neuer would then sit third on Germany's all-time list, behind Miroslav Klose on 137 and absolute leader Matthaus on 150 appearances.

Germany's long-standing status at the Germany World Cup also shapes expectations. This summer marks Germany's 21st appearance at the tournament, more than any other European side and behind only Brazil's 23 overall. Since last missing the event in 1950, Germany have exited in the first round only twice.

Germany World Cup form, recent tournaments and team unity

Across the last 18 tournaments since 1950, Germany have progressed beyond the group stage 16 times at the Germany World Cup. However, the last two editions were difficult, as Germany failed to reach the knockout rounds in both 2018 and 2022, prompting changes in structure and approach.

Germany showed signs of recovery at Euro 2024, reaching the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain, and that performance offers a reference point for the Germany World Cup push. Jamal Musiala believes the current group dynamic and repetition of tactical patterns are helping the squad prepare together more effectively.

Reflecting on the mood around the Germany World Cup squad, Musiala pointed to stronger chemistry and clear routines. "The team has gelled a bit better since the Euros; the automatisms are very similar, sometimes even identical," Musiala said. "Now we notice that when we repeat things, it doesn't take as long for them to work well as before. Now it's very harmonious, everyone gets along well."

With Neuer targeting full fitness, Karl and other newcomers pushing for roles, and Germany entering a 21st World Cup with renewed belief after Euro 2024, Nagelsmann's side approach the Germany World Cup balancing respect for their history with a focus on restoring consistency across every match from Finland onwards.