Why is Manuel Neuer not playing for Germany at the 2026 World Cup?

As Germany line up at the 2026 World Cup this summer, there will be one huge name missing from their squad.

Manuel Neuer will not be going to the tournament with his nation, after making way for a new generation of German goalkeepers.

The 40-year-old broke the record for the most ever appearances at a World Cup for a keeper in Qatar four years ago.

And he ended his career at the showpiece FIFA tournament with 19 matches played, spanning from 2010 through to 2022.

Neuer starred in Germany’s winning team in 2014, but 12 years on, they’ll travel to the tournament without him…

Why is Neuer not playing for Germany?

Legendary goalkeeper Neuer has already confirmed that he won’t be playing at the World Cup this summer.

He has not played for his country since the semi-finals of Euro 2024, when Germany were beaten by Spain in extra-time.

His last cap came in that game in July 2024, with him announcing his international retirement a month later.

There had been some rumours swirling of a potential return for Neuer, but he put those to bed in February.

When asked whether his retirement decision was final, the Bayern Munich shotstopper simply said: “Yes.”