FIFA World Cup 2026: Manuel Neuer makes history, becomes oldest German footballer at major tournament

Manuel Neuer (Image credit: X) Manuel Neuer added another chapter to his extraordinary career as the legendary goalkeeper became Germany’s oldest player at a major tournament while helping the four-time champions crush Curaçao 7-1 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The 40-year-old’s return to the international stage proved memorable as Germany opened their campaign in emphatic fashion at the NRG Stadium in Houston, with Kai Havertz scoring twice to seal the win, restoring confidence after back-to-back group stage exits at the previous two World Cups.

Novy joins Matthäus in the exclusive World Cup club

When Neuer took the field against tournament debutants Curaçao, he became only the second German footballer to appear in five FIFA World Cups, matching the feat of iconic captain Lothar Matthäus.At 40 years and 79 days, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper also eclipsed Matthäus’ long-standing mark to become the oldest player to represent Germany at a major tournament. Matthäus previously held the record after appearing at Euro 2000 at the age of 39 years and 91 days.Neuer’s participation was his twentieth at the World Cup, equaling Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Only Matthäus (25), Miroslav Klose (24) and Uwe Seeler (21) have made more World Cup appearances for Germany.Already a World Cup winner and Golden Glove winner, Neuer further cemented his place among the best goalkeepers in football history.

A dramatic return from international retirement

Neuer’s latest milestone came less than two years after he retired from international football following Germany’s Euro 2024 exit.However, an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen forced coach Julian Nagelsmann to recall the veteran at the beginning of this year. Despite missing part of the team’s preparation due to a calf problem and warm-up wins over Finland and the United States, the experienced marksman was given the gloves for the opening match.In his first international appearance in nearly two years, he recorded a save and another record-setting night.

Germany recovers from Curaçao’s historic moment

Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead before Livano Comenencia scored Curaçao’s first ever World Cup goal to tie the score at 1-1 and briefly silence the heavily pro-German crowd.The underdogs stayed level until the 38th minute before Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s advantage. Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time and added another late strike, while Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also got on the scoresheet.Germany will next face Ivory Coast as they continue their quest for redemption after disappointing campaigns in Russia and Qatar. But for one night, the spotlight belonged to Neuer, whose remarkable longevity secured another historic milestone in a career already filled with them.