Top match in Germany’s group
Germany and Côte d’Ivoire are meeting at the World Cup for only the second time, while Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to establish a new record for World Cup appearances.
2014 World Cup winner Manuel Neuer has returned to Germany’s goal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and is making history in the process. After retiring from international football in 2024, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper reversed his decision and was selected by Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. At the age of 40, Neuer is the oldest player in the history of the German national team. The match against Côte d’Ivoire at 4 p.m. local time in Toronto, Canada, will also be his 21st World Cup appearance – a world record.
It will be only the second international fixture between Germany and Côte d’Ivoire. Both teams began this year’s World Cup with victories and currently sit at the top of Group E. The only previous meeting between Germany and Côte d’Ivoire ended in a 2–2 draw in a friendly international in 2009, with Neuer also in goal for Germany. Seventeen years later, Neuer and his team mates face a strong African side that includes two Bundesliga players: winger Bazoumana Touré of TSG Hoffenheim and Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig. Diomande has emerged as the breakthrough star of the Ivorian team and is attracting international interest following an outstanding season in Leipzig. Reports suggest that Liverpool FC could be willing to pay around 100 million euros for the 19-year-old.
