Oliver Baumann has lifted the lid on his World Cup heartbreak, revealing that Julian Nagelsmann personally apologised to him after stripping him of the Germany number one shirt for the tournament.

The 36-year-old appeared destined for a starring role at the 2026 World Cup, having started all six of Germany's qualifying matches as well as both of their warm-up fixtures. However, he did not play a single minute at the finals after Manuel Neuer dramatically reversed his decision to retire from international football.

Neuer's U-turn costs Baumann his place

Neuer had called time on his Germany career following Euro 2024, but the veteran shot-stopper made a sensational comeback for the World Cup, reclaiming his place between the posts at Baumann's expense.

The decision ultimately failed to deliver the fairytale ending Germany had hoped for. The four-time world champions were dumped out in the round of 32 by Paraguay, suffering their first-ever penalty shoot-out defeat at the competition.

An hour-long phone call to clear the air

Nagelsmann has since been replaced as Germany boss by Jurgen Klopp, but the former coach made a point of settling matters with Baumann before moving on.

"He [Nagelsmann] was sorry about how everything turned out in the end," Baumann revealed. "I spoke with Julian ten days ago. We had already agreed to talk on the phone. Then we talked for almost an hour. I told him everything that was important to me.

"Of course, it was hard to swallow. I had this big goal. But I managed to give the team a lot of energy [from the substitutes' bench]. I think I laid the foundation from my side so that nothing stands in the way of success."

Baumann targets number one spot under Klopp

Despite the bitter disappointment of watching the tournament unfold from the bench, Baumann has not given up on his international ambitions. The goalkeeper will now set his sights on reclaiming the starting spot when Klopp takes charge of Germany for the first time against the Netherlands on September 24.

With a new era dawning for the national team, Baumann will hope his professionalism and patience are rewarded with a fresh opportunity under the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager.