Manuel Neuer is reported to have joined Lothar Matthäus in an elite record list after appearing for Germany in its FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Curaçao. NDTV says Neuer’s walk onto the pitch marks another milestone in his international career and places him alongside Matthäus, one of Germany’s most prominent football figures. The report frames Neuer’s appearance as scripting football history connected to the ongoing World Cup tournament, emphasizing the significance of the moment for German football. It also links the event to Neuer’s longstanding status as Germany’s goalkeeper and his continued involvement at the highest level of international competition. According to the coverage, Neuer’s inclusion in the elite list is tied directly to this specific match, as his participation triggers the record. The article does not add further context beyond the association with Matthäus and the match against Curaçao, focusing primarily on the historical milestone achieved during the World Cup 2026 opener.