Manuel Neuer sets new Germany World Cup record

Manuel Neuer made his 23rd start for Germany at a World Cup, setting a new record for the national team after surpassing Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose (both 22 starts).

Julian Nagelsmann named Bayern Munich's custodian in his starting XI for their round of 32 clash against Paraguay in Boston, USA – the first time Germany have played a knockout game since 2014, a run of 12 years.

It's also Neuer's 128th cap for the Nationalelf, which places the 40-year-old behind Lukas Podolski (130), Thomas Müller (131), Miroslav Klose (137) and Matthäus (150).

Manuel Neuer's inclusion a surprise

After retiring from international football in August 2024, Neuer's inclusion in Nagelsmann's World Cup came somewhat as a surprise to many. With Oliver Baumann the undisputed No.1 following his earlier retirement, the Hoffenheim stopper conceded his starting berth to the Bayern man, who believes the World Cup will be his last.

"I don't want to dwell on the possibility that these could be my last games for Germany," explained Neuer. "I handled it the same way at the European Championship, which is why there was no statement after the elimination against Spain."