Manuel Neuer has now featured in five World Cups after starting for Germany in their opening 2026 game against Curacao. But he still appears to be unsure about some of FIFA’s rules.

The veteran shot-stopper remains Julian Nagelsmann’s number one in between the sticks despite now being 40 years old and suffering many injuries in recent years. While he had very little to do against the World Cup newcomers on Sunday evening, Neuer did become part of history.

He became the first man to ever concede a goal against the smallest country in the competition’s long history. It’s a record he’ll want to forget quickly, and a 7-1 victory will go a long way towards that.

Manuel Neuer Goes Against Strict Kit Rules

Pedro Nunes via Reuters

One of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Neuer will hope to avoid punishment after going against FIFA’s guidelines not once, but twice during the dominant win.

It would be extremely easy for fans to miss the regulations he broke. Neuer disobeyed FIFA Law 4, which states players must wear full-length or short-sleeved shirts. Cutting or altering sleeves in any way is not allowed. The German ‘keeper’s top had clearly been cut, made obvious by the frayed nature of his shorter sleeves.

That would be slightly easier to get away with than the second violation. FIFA don’t allow players to wear an undershirt which is a different colour to the shirt they’re wearing. Contrasting with the green goalkeeper top, the Bayern Munich man donned a white layer underneath.

It’s unlikely Neuer will be retrospectively punished for the offences against Curacao, but he may now be watched closely by officials in his country’s next matches. A referee will often tell a player to go and change when a kit violation is spotted, but that didn’t happen on this occasion.

Neuer Delighted With World Cup Return

The 2014 World Cup winner actually decided to hang up his gloves after Euro 2024, which was held in his homeland. But he ultimately reversed that decision to play under Nagelsmann this summer.

The clash against Curacao marked the 40-year-old’s 20th World Cup appearance, and he claimed to be ‘overjoyed’. Speaking after the huge win, the revolutionary sweeper-keeper stated:

“It was certainly very special. It makes me incredibly proud to be playing for the national team again, to be out on the pitch with this squad, and to be playing in my fifth World Cup. I am overjoyed about it.”

Manchester United have already made one move in the summer transfer window, agreeing a deal to sign central midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for a fee in the region of £38million.

The Brazilian, a late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad following an injury, will undergo a medical in North America this week, ahead of the deal being announced.

Another central midfielder is likely to follow him to Old Trafford, with new manager Michael Carrick keen to bring in at least two, following the exit of Casemiro at the end of his contract in the north west.

New midfield name emerges on Man Utd transfer list

via Reuters

Mateus Fernandes has been heavily linked with a move from Wesrt Ham united, following their relegation to the Championship, with the likes of Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Aurelien Tchouameni also in the reckoning.

But a name has emerged from the start of the World Cup to – Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The talented 18-year-old made his World Cup debut against Casemiro on Saturday night, outshining the departing Manchester United man and proving he has the capabilities already, at such a tender age, to replace the veteran Brazilian at Old Trafford.

Bouaddi stood out in an impressive Morocco side, helping the African Cup of Nations winners to a 1-1 draw against the Selecao, although they may feel they should have picked up all three points.

Bouaddi enjoyed a 91% passing accuracy during the contest, with 100% of his passes in the final third being accurate – something that will not go unnoticed.

He showed he can do both the attacking side and the defensive side though, with six ball recoveries and five interceptions, while he also won nine duels on the night.

GIVEMESPORT reported at the start of June that United had shown an interest in the teen star, who plays his football for Lille in Ligue Un, monitoring his situation as he himself refused to rule out a move away from France this summer.

Bouaddi price tag may go up during the World Cup

Bouaddi, who has been described as ‘elite’, may only be 18 but has completed his third season of first-team football with the Ligue 1 team, and is considered to be one of the brightest midfield talents in the world.

United have tracked his performances this season, scouting him during a number of matches and could now make a move to sign him this summer. His opening performance at the World Cup may add some figures onto his price tag, which has already been touted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that interested clubs will need “around €60million to €70million to strike a deal”. The Manchester Evening News described him as “the most exciting player of the tournament so far” and Lille will be “braced for offers” this summer if he continues along the same path during the tournament.

US President Donald Trump is expected to break FIFA protocol during the 2026 World Cup.

The 47th President of the United States, who turned 80 on Sunday, has made headlines for all kinds of reasons in the build-up to this summer’s showpiece international tournament.

Back in December, Trump was controversially handed the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize award by FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the 2026 World Cup draw.

Since then, the US have been criticised for their handling of World Cup visas, charging travelling fans exorbitant prices and more. They’ve also been locked in a military conflict against Iran, whose national team can reportedly only enter the USA on the day of their World Cup fixtures.

The US and Iran have now agreed a deal to end the war. Trump wrote “let the oil flow!” on Truth Social on Sunday evening, with the Strait of Hormuz set to be reopened.

Trump to Break FIFA Protocol During World Cup Final

Trump was not present at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to watch the United States begin their World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay last week. However, he did send his best wishes to head coach Mauricio Pochettino and the team prior to the USMNT’s opening fixture.

Trump will certainly be in attendance for the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. According to talkSPORT, the US President will also have a big role to play in proceedings.

It’s understood that Trump has been given license to join the World Cup winners in their trophy lift next month, just as he did during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Trump caused a stir on that occasion by staying on stage when Chelsea’s bemused players lifted the trophy after defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

There could be similar scenes on July 19. FIFA have no objections over Trump breaking presentation protocol by handing the iconic World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain, and remaining in the thick of the celebrations, Ben Jacobs reports.

FIFA protocol usually sees the trophy remaining on a plinth before being carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.

Kai Pfaffenbach via Reuters

While sources say FIFA will leave it to Trump’s own discretion whether he stays with the team during the trophy lift or remains with other executives during the ceremony, White House insiders believe the US President will again choose to celebrate with the victorious national team.

Mexican and Canadian officials will also be invited to appear at the closing ceremony, but only Trump is expected to be on the celebration podium with the winning team.