Manuel Neuer is set to start in goal for Germany when they open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Curaçao on Sunday evening.

The Bayern Munich captain returns to the starting lineup after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined him for several weeks.

The 40-year-old's availability provides a significant boost to the German national team's defensive stability ahead of the group-stage fixture.

Neuer's return marks the end of a period of uncertainty regarding the veteran goalkeeper's fitness for the tournament.

Germany's World Cup journey begins with this crucial group-stage match, shifting immediate focus to the national team's performance on the pitch.

The team faces a challenging path in the tournament, and securing a strong start against Curaçao is essential for their progression.

The match kicks off at 19:00 local time and will be broadcast live on ARD, MagentaTV, and via live ticker on bild.de.