The four-time World Cup winners suffered a shock round of 32 defeat to Paraguay. However, Germany have never looked the same at the World Cup since Mario Gotze’s late winner in the 2014 final.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper has been a mainstay in the Nationalelf since 2010. Neuer has made 128 appearances, keeping 50 clean sheets.
However, since winning the 2014 World Cup Neuer has conceded in 10 consecutive games. During that time the Germans have shipped 14 goals in 10 games and crashed out at the group stage twice.
After guiding Deutschland to glory in 2014, Joachim Löw’s final World Cup in 2018 ended in disaster.
The then reigning champions finished bottom of Group F, losing to both Mexico and South Korea.
Neuer played all three games and conceded four goals.
In Qatar Neuer kept his place as Germany’s No. 1. Germany again exited at the group stage, conceding five goals. Despite holding Spain to a 1-1 draw, they suffered defeat against Japan and a 4-2 win over Costa Rica wasn’t enough.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Julian Nagelsmann’s side headed into the tournament in fairly good stead.
They conceded just three goals during qualifying. Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann played all six games and looked set to become Nagelsmann’s first choice goalkeeper before Neuer came out of retirement for the tournament.
Germany topped Group E, but their defensive performances were far from convincing. They shipped a goal to debutants Curacao, who failed to score in their remaining two matches.
Ivory Coast and Ecuador also found a way past the so-called German wall. Ecuador came from behind to seal a spot in the round of 32.
Neuer has also come out and denied he was at fault for Gonzalo Plata’s winner, stating: “Of course it looks unfortunate because I’m standing right there but it wasn’t a mistake on my part.”
Neuer’s struggles continued in the round of 32 as Julio Enciso put Paraguay ahead after 42 minutes, leaving the veteran goalkeeper flat-footed.
Despite saving a penalty in the shootout, Neuer has now almost certainly played his last World Cup game.
With 12 years having passed since Germany’s success in Brazil Nagelsmann faces a challenge of rebuilding a defence that has failed to live up to the standards of Germany’s golden era.
