Baumann on the relegation: "Not exactly great"

Oliver Baumann Germany 2026

National goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (36) has opened up about his feelings, explaining that being demoted to second choice in the DFB squad was initially hard to take.

After the 2-1 win over the USA—the German side's ninth straight victory—the in-form goalkeeper told RTL he was "very pleased" with his performance.

The conversation then turned to Manuel Neuer (40) and Julian Nagelsmann's (38) decision to bring the multiple World Goalkeeper of the Year back for the World Cup and install him as number one ahead of Baumann.

"It was tough at first; I didn't feel entirely comfortable with it," Baumann admitted. Nevertheless, quitting the national team never crossed his mind: "From the outset, it was clear that I'm here for the team. Not coming wasn't an option; after all, it's my World Cup too. I want to help and contribute. Now it's all about focusing fully on myself and the team."

Pressed to elaborate on his remark, the 1899 Hoffenheim shot-stopper insisted, "I'll leave it at that and not dig any deeper. The situation is what it is. We have a few weeks ahead and we'll do everything to succeed."

He also stressed that his personal relationship with Neuer remains strong: "Our relationship is still good and we'll do everything we can to ensure the team's success."

Manuel Neuer Germany 2026

Nagelsmann makes it clear: Neuer will play against Curaçao

Nagelsmann confirmed that Neuer, fully recovered from his calf injury, will rejoin training with the squad in Winston-Salem and start in goal for Germany's World Cup opener against Curaçao. "He will train with the group once we arrive—that is the plan—and then play against Curaçao."

He also paid "a huge compliment" to Baumann, the former Freiburg shot-stopper who had deputised for Neuer in the two warm-up matches and, in Nagelsmann's view, had "put himself at the service of the team" in exemplary fashion.

Nagelsmann is untroubled by the prospect of Neuer making a cold start against Curaçao: "He's doing well; he's on his way to peak fitness. At his age, he doesn't need time to settle in. He can cope with pressure."

Germany's 2026 World Cup squad