Neuer's 23rd start eclipses Matthäus, Klose as Germany faces Paraguay

Manuel Neuer became the most‑capped German World Cup starter, making his 23rd appearance as Germany opened their round‑of‑32 match against Paraguay in Boston, USA, surpassing Lothar Matthäus and Miroslav Klose, who each held 22 starts. The 40‑year‑old goalkeeper also earned his 128th cap, placing him behind only Lukas Podolski (130), Thomas Müller (131), Klose (137) and Matthäus (150) in total appearances. Julian Nagelsmann selected Bayern Munich’s custodian Neuer for the starting XI despite Oliver Baumann having become the undisputed No.1 after Neuer announced his international retirement in August 2024. Baumann had taken over the role following the earlier retirement of the Bayern man. The decision surprised many observers. Neuer, now 40, said he does not want to dwell on the possibility that these could be his last games for Germany. He added that he handled the situation the same way at the European Championship, noting there was no statement after the elimination against Spain. The goalkeeper believes the World Cup will be his final tournament.

Nagelsmann’s Germany collapses again: Paraguay end World Cup hopes in Boston

Germany faced Paraguay in Boston for the round of 32, marking the national side's first knockout match since 2014, a 12‑year gap. The clash represented the team's return to the elimination stage after a long absence. The venue was the United States. The appearance gave Neuer his 128th cap for the Nationalelf, placing him behind only Lukas Podolski (130), Thomas Müller (131), Miroslav Klose (137) and Lothar Matthäus (150) in total appearances. The record underscores his longevity despite his recent retirement.

Klopp shuts down Germany coach speculation after World Cup exit

The juxtaposition of Neuer's surprise recall and his new record highlights the enduring trust placed in his experience, even as younger keepers have taken over the role. The tournament will now test whether his final World Cup matches live up to the legacy he has built. The story was compiled by Daniel Pinder, highlighting the milestone.