HOUSTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start for Germany in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Curacao on Sunday after recovering from a calf injury, head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed on Saturday.

40-year-old Neuer had been sidelined since suffering a left calf injury during Bayern Munich's final Bundesliga match of the season in late May. The injury forced him to miss the German Cup final as well as Germany's recent friendly victories over Finland and the United States.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Nagelsmann said Neuer has regained his fitness and is ready to return to international action.

"All the players are fit and Manu will start," Nagelsmann said, adding that the experienced goalkeeper has gradually recovered his rhythm and remains a key figure for the team.

Neuer has not represented Germany for nearly two years. His last international appearance came in Germany's UEFA Euro 2024 quarterfinal defeat to Spain before he retired from national-team duty. Nagelsmann later persuaded him to return following a strong season in which he helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title and reach the Champions League semifinals.

He is the only remaining member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad in the current setup. Sunday's match will mark his fifth World Cup appearance, equaling the German record held by Lothar Matthaus.

Neuer's return has also provided valuable leadership for Germany's younger players. Midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is preparing for his World Cup debut, praised his Bayern teammate's influence both on and off the field.

Germany, a four-time winner, enters the tournament looking to rebound from consecutive group-stage exits at the previous two World Cups.

Nagelsmann warned against underestimating the tournament's debutant Curacao.

"It is a 'David versus Goliath' situation," he said. "You never win a match simply because you are favorites. We will win a match only if we produce a perfect performance." ■