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Germany prepares for World Cup opener with Neuer starting in goal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 7:10 PM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

Germany prepares for World Cup opener with Neuer starting in goal

Summary

Germany's football team is eager for the World Cup starting Thursday, expressed by DFB sporting director Rudi Völler. The team has trained at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, aiming for success after a series of nine consecutive victories. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, recovering from a left calf injury, is set to start against Curaçao in the opening match at 17:00 GMT. Team captain Joshua Kimmich has emphasized the importance of effort beyond a comfortable training camp. Völler noted all players are fit and focused as they prepare to face their group stage competitors, which include the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Germany trained at Wake Forest University ahead of the World Cup.
•Manuel Neuer will start in goal for the opening match.
•The squad has won their last nine matches.
•Joshua Kimmich stressed the need for strong performances.
•Germany faces Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador in group stage.

Latest Updates

7:10 PMYahoo Sports — Völler: Germany excited about World Cup, Neuer in goal for first game

What they're saying

"
Germany's football team is raring to go and very excited about the upcoming World Cup, which starts on Thursday, German Football Association (DFB) sporting director Rudi Völler said on Tuesday. "I can tell - yesterday at dinner and at breakfast too: of course they would really like to start right now.
— Yahoo Sports

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