Nagelsmann Names Germany's 26-Man World Cup Squad — Manuel Neuer Returns From International Retirement; Wirtz, Musiala Lead Attack

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann officially announced his 26-man World Cup squad on May 21 — the most dramatic element being the return of Manuel Neuer (40, Bayern Munich) from international retirement to claim the number-one goalkeeper spot. Neuer had stepped back from the national team but Nagelsmann recalled him after assessing the goalkeeping options. The full squad: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart). Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, 3rd World Cup), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen), Waldemar Anton (Arsenal), Malick Thiaw (AC Milan), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Maximilian Mittelstädt (VfB Stuttgart). Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich — captain), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich). Forwards: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen), Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich), Niklas Füllkrug (West Ham). Notable omissions: Serge Gnabry (season-ending injury), Karim Adeyemi (inconsistent Dortmund form), Marc-André ter Stegen (not selected), Robert Andrich (Leverkusen), Kevin Schade. Germany face Group E opponents: Curaçao (June 14, NRG Stadium Houston), Ivory Coast (June 20, BMO Field Toronto), Ecuador (June 25, MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ). Neuer's return at age 40 — becoming Germany's oldest-ever World Cup squad member — was the defining story of Nagelsmann's announcement. Germany are widely considered among the tournament favourites. 21 days to the June 11 opener at Estadio Azteca.