World Cup News - Manuel Neuer issues order to Germany team-mates as Belgium get unexpected visitor
Context mode is active. Hover over any highlighted term to see its definition. Click a nested term to go deeper.
German goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer has declared the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be his final international tournament, issuing a clear mandate to his teammates: compete, don't commemorate. His announcement comes as Germany launched their campaign with a decisive 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao on June 14, a performance designed to banish memories of recent early World Cup exits. Meanwhile, Belgium's 'Golden Generation' received an immediate, albeit unexpected, jolt from veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, whose lightning-fast impact off the bench salvaged a 1-1 draw against a disciplined Egypt on June 15. Neuer, at 40, returned to the squad after stepping back post-Euro 2024, his current form with Bayern Munich convincing Julian Nagelsmann to recall him, displacing Oliver Baumann. His declaration sets a high-stakes tone for a German squad eager to reclaim its elite status after consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, facing upcoming group rivals like Ivory Coast and Ecuador. For Belgium, Lukaku's influence was undeniable, forcing an own goal just 23-28 seconds after his 66th-minute introduction against Egypt, a crucial equalizer that prevented an embarrassing opening defeat. Coach Rudi Garcia is now grappling with how to best manage his indispensable striker's minutes, balancing fitness concerns with his game-changing ability as the Red Devils look to advance from a competitive Group G. As Germany prepares for its next Group E fixture, the internal expectation, amplified by Neuer's valedictory challenge, is clear: a deep tournament run is the only acceptable outcome. For Belgium, the immediate focus shifts to integrating Lukaku effectively, while avoiding a repeat of their 2022 group stage disappointment. Both footballing giants, armed with veteran leadership and emergent talent, face critical early tests in this expanded 48-team World Cup format, with every match now shaping their trajectory towards the July 19 final.