Manuel Neuer Set to Start Germany’s World Cup Opener
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Curaçao after overcoming a calf injury.
Neuer, who missed recent warm‑up wins over Finland and the United States due to the injury, has reportedly regained his rhythm and fitness.
“He’s definitely fit enough to start the game, and he got better and better,” Nagelsmann said. “He didn’t really have the rhythm, but now he has found it. He played a lot; we trust him a lot, and I think … in order to have a good World Cup, we need Manuel in top performance, and I think he can bring that.”
As four‑time world champions, Germany enter the match as overwhelming favourites against Curaçao, which is making its first ever World Cup appearance and holds the record as the smallest nation to qualify.
Despite being clear underdogs, Curaçao bring experienced leadership to the touchline, with coach Dick Advocaat — formerly in charge of the Netherlands at the 1994 World Cup and South Korea in 2006 — guiding the squad.
Advancing to the round of 32 will be a tough challenge, with results against Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast likely to decide whether Curaçao’s fairytale run can continue.
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