Bayern boss backs Neuer return to German national team for World Cup

Max Eberl believes Manuel Neuer should be Germany’s starting goalkeeper at the World Cup in 2026.

Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl believes Manuel Neuer should be recalled to the German national team for next year’s World Cup.

Neuer retired from international football after Euro 2024, but a comeback has been suggested with Germany’s current No. 1, Marc-André ter Stegen, sidelined by a long-term injury and having lost his status as FC Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper.

For Eberl, there is no question that Neuer should be Germany’s goalkeeper at the World Cup.

“He is the best goalkeeper in Germany! We are incredibly happy that we extended his contract and that he is healthy. The breaks during international periods help him, but he is totally fired up,” Eberl told Sport Bild. 

Asked whether Neuer should play at the World Cup, he replied with a clear “yes.”

Eberl also addressed the possibility of extending Neuer’s contract beyond the summer of 2026.

“We don’t need to talk about perspectives with him; it’s about a feeling. Right now, he feels completely comfortable, and we have a great feeling with him,” he said, adding: 

“The question is also: How will he feel after playing at the 2026 World Cup and becoming world champion?”