Manuel Neuer (Pic Credit: X)
Manuel Neuer added another chapter to his extraordinary career as the legendary goalkeeper became the oldest German player ever to feature in a major tournament while helping the four-time German champions thrash Curacao 7-1 in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.The 40-year-old’s return to the international stage proved a memorable one as Germany opened their campaign in emphatic fashion at NRG Stadium in Houston, with Kai Havertz scoring twice in a win that restored confidence after successive group stage exits in the previous two World Cups.
Neuer joins Matthaus in the exclusive World Cup club
When Neuer took to the field against the tournament’s debutant Curacao, he became the second German footballer to have played in five FIFA World Cup finals, equaling the feat of famous captain Lothar Matthäus.At 40 years and 79 days, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper has surpassed Matthäus’s tally to become the oldest player to represent Germany in a major tournament. Matthaus previously held the record after appearing at Euro 2000 at the age of 39 years and 91 days.It was Neuer’s 20th World Cup appearance, equaling Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Only Matthäus (25), Miroslav Klose (24) and Uwe Seeler (21) have made more appearances for Germany at a World Cup.
Already a World Cup winner and Golden Glove winner, Neuer has cemented his place among the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
A dramatic return from international retirement
Neuer’s latest achievement came less than two years after he retired from international football after Germany’s exit from the 2024 European Championship.However, an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen forced coach Julian Nagelsmann to recall the veteran earlier this year. Despite missing part of the team’s preparations due to a calf injury and missing friendly victories over Finland and the United States, the experienced goalkeeper was handed the gloves for the opening match.He made his first international appearance in nearly two years with a save and another record-breaking night.
Germany recovers after Curacao’s historic moment
Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead before Lefano Cominencia scored Curacao’s first ever World Cup goal to make it 1-1 and briefly silence the staunchly pro-German crowd.The underdogs remained tied until the 38th minute before Niko Schlotterbeck restored the lead for Germany. Havertz scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time and added another late goal, while Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav were also on the scoresheet.Germany will next face Ivory Coast as it continues its quest to make amends after its disappointing campaign in Russia and Qatar. But for one night, the spotlight was reserved for Neuer, whose remarkable longevity ensured another historic achievement in a career already full of them.
