Germany captain Manuel Neuer has confirmed his retirement from international football following his country's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 40-year-old announced his decision after Germany's Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay on penalties. Speaking to German broadcaster ARD after the match, Neuer replied "yes" when asked whether it had been his final appearance for the national team.
It marks the second time Neuer has retired from international duty. He initially stepped away after Germany's quarter-final defeat to Spain at UEFA Euro 2024 but reversed his decision after being recalled by head coach Julian Nagelsmann for the 2026 World Cup.
Germany's campaign ended following a 1-1 draw with Paraguay before a 4-3 defeat in the penalty shootout.
Neuer saved Fabian Balbuena's spot-kick but could not prevent the four-time world champions from crashing out. He featured in all four of Germany's matches at the tournament.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, Neuer represented Germany at five FIFA World Cups between 2010 and 2026.
His greatest international achievement came in 2014, when Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to lift the World Cup in Brazil.
Neuer kept a clean sheet in that final and won the tournament's Golden Glove award as the competition's best goalkeeper, cementing his legacy as one of Germany's all-time greats.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / sports / Football / Germany
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