Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann confirms that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is fit to start Germany’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Curaçao on Sunday. Multiple outlets report that Neuer has fully recovered from a calf injury that had sidelined him, and that he will return for the game in Houston. Nagelsmann’s comments indicate that the match is treated as a competitive fixture despite Curaçao being World Cup debutants, with the coach describing it as akin to a “German Cup game” and a “David versus Goliath” matchup. Reports also note that the appearance would be Neuer’s 125th international cap for Germany, marking a continued role for the veteran goalkeeper in Germany’s tournament campaign. The agreement across outlets centers on his confirmed status as the starter for the World Cup opener and the timing of the return, with the confirmation made shortly before kickoff in the final pre-match remarks.