Neuer Ready to Start for…

HOUSTON — During a press conference held the night before Germany’s opening match against Curaçao in the 2026 World Cup, manager Julian Nagelsmann announced that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has recovered from a recent calf injury and is ready to play.

Neuer, who was a key part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, last represented the national team during their quarterfinal defeat to Spain in Euro 2024.

Having agreed to rejoin the team following injuries to other goalkeepers and after a strong performance in the spring, Neuer’s presence is much anticipated, especially after missing the DFB Pokal final due to his injury in May.

Nagelsmann also mentioned that the team has had a clean bill of health during recent training sessions, ensuring that all players are fit for Saturday’s game.

The German squad arrived from their training base in North Carolina, and Nagelsmann expressed satisfaction with the early kickoff time—1 p.m. ET—to allow for prime viewing in Europe, as well as the team’s ability to adjust to the U.S. heat.

“One major point was to arrive in the U.S. early to adapt to the climate,” he noted. “We’ve had numerous intense training sessions over the past week to acclimatize. Some players also have prior experience from the Club World Cup here in 2025, which helped them adjust to the high temperatures.”

“Both teams will face the same conditions in every match. Hydration is crucial, and we have preparations in place to cool down during breaks and throughout the game,” he added.

Neuer isn’t the only veteran discussed at the press conference. The upcoming match will see the tournament’s youngest head coach, the 38-year-old Nagelsmann, face off against the oldest, 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, who is leading his eighth national team.

Nagelsmann praised Advocaat, saying, “He is an exceptional coach who has done a remarkable job with Curaçao. It’s historic that they have qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Engaging with someone of his experience is always beneficial as I continue to learn as a young coach.”

Advocaat also shared his admiration for Nagelsmann during his own press conference later. “He is a young, well-known coach. To attain a national team position at such a young age suggests he has something extraordinary about him. We will strive to make things challenging for him tomorrow.”

When asked if he envisions still coaching at 40 years of age like Advocaat, Nagelsmann replied, “Not necessarily. I cherish my role, but I hope to explore various avenues as I age.”