Why Manuel Neuer Could Miss the 2026 World Cup After Bayern Munich Injury Scare

Bayern Munich confirmed that captain Manuel Neuer suffered a calf muscle tear, an injury that will sideline the veteran goalkeeper for several weeks and raises serious doubts about his availability for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The injury occurred during Bayern’s 3–0 victory over Werder Bremen, when Neuer was forced to leave the match at halftime due to discomfort that later proved more serious than initially expected.

The nearly 40-year-old goalkeeper has previously dealt with physical issues in the same area, but this latest diagnosis increases uncertainty ahead of the World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Bayern Munich has not provided a definitive return date, meaning Neuer could miss several crucial matches during the decisive stretch of the season.

Neuer was substituted at halftime against Bremen after reporting calf discomfort, which was initially described by the club as a precautionary decision. However, medical examinations later confirmed a muscle tear requiring an extended recovery period, putting both Bayern Munich and the German national team on alert.

With Bayern currently leading the Bundesliga and the World Cup approaching, Neuer’s absence forces both club and country to reconsider their goalkeeping plans. Options such as Jonas Urbig and Sven Ulreich are now being evaluated to cover the position while the full extent of the recovery timeline becomes clear.

The injury arrives at a critical moment for Germany’s national team, which has yet to definitively establish its starting goalkeeper for the tournament. Neuer had already indicated he would not return to international duty for the World Cup, and this setback further complicates Germany’s long-term planning in goal.

His absence also opens the door for younger Bundesliga goalkeepers and emerging European talents to compete for a starting role ahead of the tournament. Germany’s coaching staff will now need to adjust its strategy without one of the most iconic goalkeepers of the modern era.

Following confirmation of the injury, Bayern Munich and the German Football Association are accelerating evaluations and contingency plans. While Bayern maintains a strong lead domestically, losing Neuer could impact the team’s defensive stability in upcoming fixtures, as Germany continues searching for clarity between the posts heading into the 2026 World Cup.