The 40-year-old Bayern captain dismissed speculation about guaranteed minutes for his younger teammate when questioned about the arrangement. “No, I think it will be similar to last season,” Neuer stated. “We’ll support one another; we’ve got a strong goalkeeping squad, including Ulle and the young goalkeepers.”

Neuer stressed that healthy competition rather than fixed rotation plans remains the priority within Bayern’s goalkeeping department. He emphasised that the group must “help one another”, “push each other” and ensure they can “always give our best for the team in goal.”

Last Season’s Form

The German international maintained his status as first choice throughout the previous campaign, making 37 appearances across all competitions and recording 11 clean sheets. Urbig featured in 20 matches, keeping seven clean sheets, while experienced deputy Sven Ulreich provided additional cover.

With the 2026/27 season approaching, Neuer’s remarks suggest Bayern will continue managing their goalkeeping resources through merit-based selection rather than pre-arranged schedules. This approach leaves the veteran as the established starter, with Urbig and Ulreich competing for opportunities in domestic cup fixtures and select Bundesliga matches.

What Happens Next

The clarification settles recent speculation about a potential changing of the guard. While Urbig represents the future for the Bavarians, Neuer’s dismissal of any rotation agreement demonstrates the veteran’s determination to retain the starting role through performance. The presence of Ulreich alongside the younger goalkeepers ensures Bayern maintain multiple options should injuries or fixture congestion demand changes between the posts.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper told BILD that the quality of the current squad and coaching setup convinced him to postpone his retirement plans.

“I probably would have retired in 85% of cases, but with this squad, the staff, and the coaching team, it’s simply a joy,” Neuer said. He highlighted the club’s competitive strength, noting: “We always have the chance to compete for every title. Currently, we’re right at the top with this team.”

The Germany international emphasised that his decision was driven by the team’s potential and his own remaining capabilities. “It’s just so much fun. I’m doing this for myself because I know I’m still capable of helping the team whenever I’m needed,” he explained.

Timeline for departure

Despite committing to the upcoming campaign, Neuer suggested that his extension may be brief, hinting that the 2026-27 season could be his last as a professional. “I don’t play matches thinking, ‘This is my last game’ – regardless of whether it may be my final appearance at one stadium or another. But it certainly looks like I’m going to retire,” he stated.

This timeframe gives Bayern Munich a definitive window to prepare for life after their long-serving captain. At 40, Neuer remains a commanding presence, yet his acknowledgment that the end is approaching allows the club to manage the transition without abrupt disruption.

What this means for Bayern

Neuer’s decision to continue provides crucial stability during a period of squad evolution. His presence ensures continuity between the posts while maintaining the high standards expected at the Allianz Arena. The goalkeeper’s emphasis on the “joy” of working with the current group suggests a harmonious dressing room environment conducive to challenging for silverware.

The veteran’s focus on competing for “every title” rather than personal milestones indicates his professional mindset remains intact. For supporters, the confirmation that Neuer will remain available for selection offers reassurance, even as they prepare to bid farewell to one of the club’s most influential figures when the 2026-27 season concludes.

The players are undergoing medical assessments at the club’s facilities before travelling to the Bavarian lake district for a four-day camp. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlović was among the first to arrive for testing on Sunday morning to begin the pre-season programme.

Not all of Bayern’s international contingent have returned to duty, however. Forward Harry Kane and winger Michael Olise remain absent on extended leave after reaching the latter stages of the tournament with England and France respectively. The attacking pair will rejoin the group once their vacation period concludes.

The squad will soon include Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, who is set to complete a permanent transfer from Gambinos Stars for a fee understood to be between €3 million and €4 million. The defender will undergo tests alongside the returning World Cup players before linking up with the squad in Tegernsee.

Meanwhile, the futures of two further international defenders remain unresolved. Centre-back Kim Min-jae and full-back Hiroki Itō, who both featured at the World Cup, could still depart the Allianz Arena this summer despite reporting for pre-season duty.

Upcoming fixtures

Bayern’s preparations continue with a friendly match against amateur side FC Rottach-Egern on Thursday. The fixture follows the Tegernsee camp and comes after Kompany’s side opened their pre-season schedule with a defeat to second-tier Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday.

The German champions have enjoyed prolific success against Thursday’s opponents in previous meetings, having found the net 64 times across their last three encounters with the eighth-tier Bavarian club.

Neuer’s international career concluded after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the last 32. He expressed no regrets over his return, despite describing the exit as a “bitter end”. His late inclusion had previously drawn criticism from former Germany defender Robert Huth, who suggested the decision was “really unexpected” and potentially unsettling for the squad.

European contingent bows out

The European exodus extends beyond Germany. Czechia striker Patrik Schick announced his international retirement immediately following his country’s elimination from the group stage, where they failed to secure a victory. Hours after the final group game, he confirmed his national team chapter was ending.

Austria forward Marko Arnautovic also confirmed his departure following a 3–0 last-32 defeat to Spain, describing his international service as the “biggest highlight” of his career. Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon retired without having made a World Cup appearance, despite earning 84 caps since his 2004 debut. Gordon acknowledged he never wanted his career to end but accepted the moment had arrived.

African stars depart amid uncertainty

African football has lost one of its most recognisable attacking talents in Riyad Mahrez, who retired after Algeria’s last-32 exit against Switzerland. The forward marked his first World Cup appearance since 2014 with two goals against Austria, stating that representing Algeria had been a “dream of mine” since childhood.

Uncertainty remains over Sadio Mané’s status, however. The Senegal forward released a statement via local outlet Le Quotidien suggesting his retirement following defeat to Belgium, claiming he had “sacrificed everything for this flag”. However, questions have emerged regarding the statement’s authenticity. Senegal manager Pape Thiaw had previously indicated his desire for Mané to continue, noting that while the decision belongs to the player, he “belongs to the people of Senegal”.

Veterans from the Americas call time

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, famed for his performances at previous tournaments, described representing his country as the “greatest privilege of my life” after limited playing time in his final campaign. Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi, who played every minute of their 2022 triumph in Qatar, also confirmed his retirement having revealed his intentions before the tournament.

Ecuador’s record goalscorer Enner Valencia announced his international retirement following their last-32 elimination, confirming he had played his final match for the national team. Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michaël Seri completed the notable departures, ending an 11-year international career that included his World Cup debut at the age of 33.

The collective departures leave multiple national teams facing transitional periods as preparations begin for future continental qualifying campaigns.

Communication breakdown

According to a report in Der Spiegel, several squad members felt “strung along, ignored, or made false promises” about their standing within the national team setup. The players reportedly found themselves initiating contact with Nagelsmann between tournaments, yet felt their concerns were dismissed or left unanswered throughout the campaign.

The criticism highlights apparent weaknesses in Nagelsmann’s approach to squad management. Sources indicate he struggled with the task of delivering difficult news directly to professionals. A particularly stark example involves goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who allegedly discovered that veteran Manuel Neuer would reclaim the starting position only during a live television interview, rather than through a prior conversation with the coaching staff.

Dressing room divisions

Beyond the coach-player relationship, concerns have emerged regarding the squad’s internal culture. Unnamed insiders characterised the dressing room as featuring “one-man shows” and containing “too many egomaniacs,” suggesting a fragmented rather than unified team environment.

Additionally, a German Football Association (DFB) employee noted that players appeared distracted by external commercial commitments, stating: “They’re all nice guys. But they’re constantly being pulled in different directions – documentaries, collections, social media, all of that.”

What next for Nagelsmann?

The revelations emerge as the DFB conducts a comprehensive review into the premature World Cup elimination. While Nagelsmann initially retained backing from federation officials, these disclosures regarding his handling of sensitive squad matters place his tenure under renewed examination.

The federation must now assess whether the tournament failure stemmed primarily from tactical deficiencies, poor man-management, or deeper cultural issues within the squad. Nagelsmann has yet to respond publicly to the specific allegations. Addressing the evident communication breakdown between the coaching staff and players appears essential if Germany is to restore unity and competitiveness ahead of the next international cycle.

Defensive reinforcements and contract business

Manuel Neuer will continue as first-choice goalkeeper following a one-year contract extension, though Jonas Urbig is expected to receive additional playing time throughout the season. At right-back, Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic are competing for the starting position, with the Austria international currently holding a slight advantage. Laimer, who can also operate in midfield, is expected to sign a new contract extending his stay beyond 2027.

In central defence, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah remain the preferred partnership. The arrival of Brown creates an intriguing contest at left-back, where he will challenge Alphonso Davies for the starting role. The Canada captain is working to regain full fitness ahead of the new season.

Midfield balance and attacking depth

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are set to continue their midfield partnership. In attack, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz and Harry Kane are considered guaranteed starters. The central attacking midfield position presents the selection dilemma, with Jamal Musiala, new signing Saibari and prospect Lennart Karl all competing for one starting spot. Musiala is currently expected to begin the season as first choice, benefiting from a full pre-season programme.

Injury concerns cloud preparations

Bayern’s preparations have been complicated by fitness issues. Saibari and Karl are both recovering from injuries, while Serge Gnabry is also working his way back to full fitness. The trio will provide additional competition once they return to training, though their availability for the Supercup remains uncertain.

The clash against Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park offers an early test of Vincent Kompany’s tactical setup and provides the first silverware opportunity of the campaign. With more than a month until kick-off, the coaching staff will assess how quickly the injured players recover before finalising their starting eleven.

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German outlet ran had alleged that the decision to recall the 40-year-old from international retirement sparked significant tension within the dressing room. The report claimed several players were unhappy with the move and suggested that goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg had considered resigning in response to the veteran’s reinstatement.

In a strongly-worded statement, the DFB rejected these assertions. While acknowledging that Neuer’s recall was discussed internally in a “controversial and critical” fashion, the governing body stressed that the team ultimately reached a consensus. The association confirmed the entire squad stands “united” behind the decision, despite the vigorous debate that preceded it.

The DFB also explicitly denied that Neuer influenced squad selection or imposed personal conditions for his comeback. The statement rejected specific claims that the Bayern Munich captain demanded the exclusion of former club colleague Alexander Nübel or insisted on the inclusion of Jonas Urbig among the goalkeepers travelling to the tournament.

Neuer confirmed his decision to reverse his international retirement only weeks before the competition, generating substantial public discussion about Germany’s options between the posts. The 40-year-old’s return prompted debate over whether his experience outweighs the claims of younger alternatives.

By issuing a comprehensive denial of both the alleged dressing room unrest and the supposed selection interference, the DFB appears determined to project squad harmony as the tournament draws near. The statement indicates that while Nagelsmann’s choice was contested internally, the matter has been settled with the full backing of players and staff.

Final appearance ends in disappointment

The early exit marks a bitter conclusion to Neuer’s final tournament with Die Mannschaft. The former world champions failed to advance beyond the first knockout stage, falling short of expectations in what proved to be the veteran shot-stopper’s 128th and final appearance for his country.

Despite the disappointing end, Neuer maintains he has no regrets about his decision to return to the national team setup for one final campaign. In a statement posted on Instagram, the Bayern captain described the elimination as extremely disappointing, acknowledging that the team “clearly fell short of expectations and should have gone further in this tournament.”

“No regrets” over return

Neuer explained that his return was motivated by a desire to guide younger teammates while wearing the national shirt with pride. “I made a very conscious decision to play for Germany again,” he wrote. “On the one hand, because it has always filled me with deep pride to wear the national team jersey. On the other, because at 40 years old and with the experience of four World Cups, I also wanted to support the younger players in the best possible way, both on and off the pitch, and help German football.”

“Despite the bitter ending, I do not regret this decision for a second,” he added, expressing gratitude for the support received throughout his 128-cap career.

Rebuild expected as others consider futures

Neuer’s departure signals the beginning of a significant rebuild for the national team. According to German outlet Sport1, several other experienced players are speculated to have no future with Die Mannschaft, including Antonio Rüdiger, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sané, Pascal Groß and Oliver Baumann.

Rüdiger, 33, has confirmed he will use the holiday period to reflect on his international future. Meanwhile, Goretzka faces additional uncertainty at club level following the expiration of his Bayern Munich contract.

Neuer will now focus entirely on his duties with Bayern Munich, concluding an international career that spanned four World Cup tournaments.

Gustavo Alfaro’s side defended with fierce discipline throughout the 120 minutes before prevailing 4-3 in the shootout after the match finished 1-1. The victory sends Paraguay to a last-16 tie in Philadelphia, while Julian Nagelsmann’s tournament ends in the round of 32.

Germany dominate but trail

The match presented a stark tactical contrast from the outset. Germany controlled possession to an extraordinary degree in the first half, enjoying 79 per cent of the ball, yet they reached the interval 1-0 down, bewildered by Alfaro’s rigid defensive structure.

Paraguay’s goal arrived against the run of play after 27 minutes. Manuel Neuer punched clear a corner, but the ball was recycled to Matías Galarza, who delivered a hard, flat cross for Julio Enciso to head home.

Neuer had earlier produced a fine save to deny Junior Alonso from close range. Germany’s frustration was palpable as they probed against massed defensive ranks, with Deniz Undav making his first start of the tournament in place of Jamal Musiala.

Nagelsmann introduced Leon Goretzka at half-time, and Germany found an equaliser nine minutes into the second half. Florian Wirtz delivered a diagonal cross from the left that Kai Havertz met with a pivoted, flicked header.

Paraguay might have restored their lead when Enciso intercepted a back-pass from Joshua Kimmich, but Neuer smothered the finish. Musiala entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute, yet the contest remained deadlocked after 90 minutes.

Shootout seals historic defeat

Germany thought they had found a winner when Jonathan Tah headed in from a corner during extra time, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul by Waldemar Anton on goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The match remained 1-1 after 120 minutes.

The ensuing shootout proved chaotic. Germany missed two of their first four spot-kicks, but Paraguay failed to capitalise by missing their final two attempts. However, Jonathan Tah then fired Germany’s sixth penalty over the bar, allowing José Canale to convert the decisive spot-kick and send Paraguay through.

The defeat marks Germany’s first World Cup shootout loss since 1976. For Paraguay, the result represents arguably the finest in their footballing history and sets up a last-16 encounter in Philadelphia.

• Manuel Neuer will start in goal for Germany’s opening World Cup fixture against Curaçao next Sunday
• The 40-year-old has been out with a calf injury sustained while playing for FC Bayern Munich in mid-May
• Head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the captain’s return following the 2-1 friendly win over the United States
• Oliver Baumann receives praise for his professional attitude while covering for Neuer during recent matches

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Manuel Neuer will return between the posts for the national team’s opening World Cup clash with Curaçao. The veteran goalkeeper has missed the side’s final warm-up matches, including Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the United States and last week’s 4-0 success against Finland.

Neuer has been recovering from a calf problem he picked up during FC Bayern Munich’s 5-1 win over 1. FC Köln on 16 May. “Manu will start training next week and will play against Curaçao,” Nagelsmann told broadcaster RTL after the match.

During Neuer’s absence, Oliver Baumann has stood in as the last line of defence. The experienced keeper served as Germany’s first choice throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign. However, he moved down the pecking order when Neuer reversed his decision to retire from international football ahead of the tournament.

Nagelsmann offered special praise for Baumann’s conduct during this period. “I want to give Oliver Baumann a huge compliment,” the manager stated. “He is a super, super guy. Over the past days and weeks, he has fully put himself at the service of the team.”