by Oliver Trust

BERLIN, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad announcement contained several surprises, led by the late return of 40-year-old Manuel Neuer as the team's No. 1 goalkeeper.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Germany acknowledges spectators after the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 match between Germany and Denmark in Dortmund, Germany, June 29, 2024. (File photo: Xinhua)

The decision increases pressure on coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has also included youngsters such as 18-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Lennart Karl, while keeping faith with an out-of-form Leroy Sane.

Neuer's recall means Oliver Baumann, Germany's first-choice goalkeeper since Neuer's international retirement two years ago, has been demoted. The decision has drawn criticism, though reports in Sport Bild suggested sporting director Rudi Voller and several senior players had urged Nagelsmann to consider bringing back the 2014 World Cup winner.

Announcing his 26-man squad on Wednesday, Nagelsmann said he had told Baumann several months ago that Neuer could return.

The coach said Baumann had accepted the decision professionally and that it would not affect the squad atmosphere. Neuer's injury record, however, remains a calculated risk, which is why Nagelsmann has also called up Jonas Urbig as a fourth goalkeeper. Urbig is listed as a training goalkeeper and is not part of the 26-man squad, but could be promoted if needed.

Elsewhere, Karl has only two senior caps, while Jamal Musiala is still working his way back to peak form after a lengthy injury absence. Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz, 23, has been included after a difficult season, along with 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown.

Nagelsmann has received backing from Voller, Borussia Dortmund adviser Matthias Sammer and Bayern official Uli Hoeness over Neuer's return, but the selection also reflects Germany's more modest standing before the tournament.

France, the 2018 World Cup winner, and defending champion Argentina are considered among the favorites, along with Spain, England and Brazil. Germany, a four-time World Cup winner, is not widely seen in the same bracket.

"We want to win the trophy, but we are not among the first-mentioned," Nagelsmann said.

Germany's younger creative players will be supported by an experienced defensive group including Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, David Raum and Joshua Kimmich, while Leon Goretzka and Pascal Gross add experience in midfield.