Baumann steps into the spotlight for Neuer: DFB goalkeeper question open before USA match

Neuer had arrived in Chicago on Tuesday and continued his rehabilitation training there. Images on social media and videos from the German Football Association (DFB) showed the Bayern Munich keeper participating in shooting drills, among other things. He was also seen on the shore of Lake Michigan together with his Munich teammate Jonas Urbig. On Friday, however, he stayed away from team training.

Following the session, Nagelsmann was scheduled to provide further personnel information at a press conference in the arena on Lake Michigan. The national coach had already opted not to play the 124-time international player in goal during the 4-0 victory in the test match against Finland. At that time, Baumann was between the posts, having also featured in the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Neuer's injury streak and return to the DFB squad

Neuer had to be substituted in mid-May during Bayern Munich's Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln due to calf problems. He also missed the DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart, which Bayern won 3-0. His last appearance for the national team dates back to the European Championship quarter-final in July 2024, when Germany lost 1-2 after extra time at home to Spain. Neuer had subsequently announced his retirement from the DFB squad but was reactivated by Nagelsmann for the upcoming World Cup.

Should Neuer be unable to play on Saturday, Baumann would play in the dress rehearsal against the USA. The 35-year-old brings match practice from the recent games against Finland and the World Cup qualifiers and is considered the likely starter. If Nagelsmann fields him, it would be another argument in the internal competition for the spot behind Nübel and Urbig.

Looking ahead to Houston: World Cup opener against Curaçao

The match against the USA kicks off on Saturday at 8:30 PM (CEST) and will be broadcast live on RTL. From a sporting perspective, it serves as a benchmark just days before the German team's World Cup opener on June 14 in Houston against Curaçao. In terms of personnel, Nagelsmann has the opportunity to test different combinations.

Neuer is competing in his fifth World Cup in the United States since 2010. With 124 international caps to date, he could overtake France's Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances during the tournament. Whether he reaches this benchmark also depends on his fitness in the coming days. What is clear is that Nagelsmann is keeping the competition open, and the final decision on the number one is likely to be made on match day.

The training complex on Lake Michigan offers the team ideal conditions to adapt to the North American environment. With an eye on Houston and the opening opponent Curaçao, the DFB squad aims to build rhythm and confidence. Should Neuer indeed be absent, it would also be a test for Baumann, who wants to prove himself at the top international level.