Germany captain and veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has added another milestone to his remarkable career by becoming the most-capped goalkeeper in FIFA World Cup history during Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The appearance marked Neuer’s 21st World Cup match, surpassing the previous record held by Germany legend Sepp Maier.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who made his World Cup debut in 2010, has now represented Germany across five different World Cup tournaments. Over the years, Neuer has played a key role in Germany’s success, most notably helping the team lift the World Cup trophy in Brazil in 2014. His consistency, leadership and revolutionary sweeper-keeper style have made him one of the most influential goalkeepers in football history.
The record-breaking appearance came as Germany secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Group E. The victory strengthened Germany’s position at the top of the group and moved them closer to securing a place in the knockout rounds. Neuer made several important interventions during the match, once again proving his value despite being in the later stages of his career.
Speaking after the game, German players and coaching staff praised Neuer’s longevity and professionalism. Many described the achievement as a testament to his dedication, fitness and ability to perform at the highest level for more than a decade and a half.
Neuer's World Cup journey has been filled with memorable moments, including clean sheets, crucial saves and leadership during high-pressure matches. His impact has extended beyond Germany, influencing a generation of goalkeepers around the world who have adopted aspects of his aggressive and modern style of play.
With Germany looking like one of the strongest teams in the tournament, Neuer could extend his record further in the coming weeks if the four-time world champions make a deep run in the competition. Every additional appearance will set a new benchmark for future goalkeepers to chase.
For now, the record stands as another historic achievement for one of football’s all-time greats. As Germany continues its World Cup campaign, Manuel Neuer’s name is once again etched into the tournament’s history books, highlighting a career defined by excellence, consistency and success on the biggest stage of world football.
