Manuel Neuer added yet 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 crush Curaçao 7-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener.The 40-year-old’s return to the international stage proved memorable as Germany opened their campaign in emphatic fashion at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with Kai Havertz scoring twice in a victory that restored confidence after consecutive group-stage exits in the previous two World Cups.
Neuer joins Matthäus in exclusive World Cup club
When Neuer stepped onto the pitch against tournament debutants Curaçao, he became only the second German footballer to feature in five FIFA World Cups, matching the achievement of iconic captain Lothar Matthäus.At 40 years and 79 days old, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper also eclipsed Matthäus’ long-standing mark to become the oldest player to represent Germany at a major tournament. Matthäus had previously held the record after appearing at Euro 2000 aged 39 years and 91 days.The appearance was Neuer’s 20th at the World Cup, drawing him level with Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Only Matthäus (25), Miroslav Klose (24) and Uwe Seeler (21) have made more World Cup appearances for Germany.Already a World Cup winner and Golden Glove recipient, Neuer further cemented his place among the greatest goalkeepers in football history.
Dramatic comeback from international retirement
Neuer’s latest milestone came less than two years after he retired from international football following Germany’s Euro 2024 exit.However, injuries to first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen forced coach Julian Nagelsmann to recall the veteran earlier this year. Despite missing part of the team’s preparations with a calf problem and sitting out warm-up victories over Finland and the United States, the experienced shot-stopper was handed the gloves for the opening match.He marked his first international appearance in almost two years with a save and another record-breaking night.
Germany recover after Curaçao’s historic moment
Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead before Livano Comenencia scored Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal to make it 1-1 and briefly silence the heavily pro-German crowd.The underdogs remained level until the 38th minute before Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s advantage. Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time and added another late strike, while Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav 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 Neuer, whose remarkable longevity ensured another historic milestone in a career already filled with them.
