Manuel Neuer He added another chapter to his extraordinary career as the legendary goalkeeper became Germany’s oldest ever player at a major tournament while helping the four-time champions beat Curaçao 7-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.The 40-year-old’s return to the international stage was memorable as Germany opened their campaign at Houston’s NRG Stadium in emphatic fashion, with Kai Huertz scoring twice in a victory that restored confidence after consecutive group stage exits at the previous two World Cups.
Neuer joins Matthäus in the exclusive World Cup club.
When Neuer stepped onto the pitch against tournament debutants Curaçao, he became only the second German footballer to appear in five FIFA World Cups, equaling the feat of legendary captain Luther Matthaus.At 40 years and 79 days, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper also eclipsed Matthies’ long-standing mark to become the oldest player to represent Germany at a major tournament. Matthies had previously held the record at the age of 39 years and 91 days after participating in Euro 2000.It was Neuer’s 20th at the World Cup, tying him with Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Only Matthaus (25), Miroslav Klose (24) and Uwe Seiler (21) have played more at the World Cup for Germany.Already a World Cup winner and Golden Glove recipient, Neuer cemented his place among the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
A dramatic return from international retirement.
Neuer’s latest milestone comes less than two years after he retired from international football following Germany’s exit from Euro 2024.However, injuries to the first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen forcing coach Julian Nagelsmann to recall the veteran earlier this year. Despite missing part of the team’s preparations with a calf problem and warm-up wins against Finland and the United States, the veteran shot-stopper was handed the gloves for the opening match.He marked his first international appearance in nearly two years with a save and another record-breaking night.
After Curaçao’s historic moment, Germany recovered.
Felix Nemecha gave Germany an early lead before Livano Caminicia scored Curao’s first World Cup goal to make it 1-1 and briefly silence the pro-German crowd.The underdogs stayed level until the 38th minute when Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s advantage. Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time and added another late strike, while Jamal Musyala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Indau also got on the scoresheet.Germany 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 Never, whose remarkable longevity ensured another historic milestone in his already storied career.
