Manuel Neuer, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, makes history as he becomes Germany’s oldest-ever player at a major tournament during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener. Multiple outlets report that Neuer is aged 40 and that the appearance sets a national-team record for Germany at a major competition. The match also features a dominant Germany performance, with the lopsided score described as a key part of the historic night. One report links the record appearance to Neuer’s return to international football after a period of international retirement, framing the moment as a notable comeback. Another outlet places the achievement in broader World Cup context, noting that Neuer is among the oldest players to feature at the tournament, described as the seventh oldest to play at the World Cup. Across the accounts, Neuer is consistently identified as Germany’s top goalkeeper and as the player whose presence establishes these age-related milestones during the opening match against Curaçao.