Back
26.01.2018BayArena

World Cup warm-up fixture at the BayArena

Germany are set to play a friendly in Leverkusen ahead of the World Cup in Russia: Joachim Löw's team take on Saudi Arabia at the BayArena on 8 June. It will be the eighth men's full international at the Werkself's home ground.
Laenderspiel_20090905_2142.jpg

The reigning World Cup winners Germany will play Saudi Arabia at the BayArena ahead of this summer's tournament. As confirmed by the German Football Association (DFB) on Friday, the Saudis will play the titleholders at Leverkusen's stadium on 8 June immediately before departing for the finals in Russia (14 June to 15 July). During the World Cup training camp in South Tirol, Germany will play Austria in Klagenfurt on 2 June. At the request of the sporting management the run-in will include a home game – with friendly prices for young fans.

"Children and teenagers watch the team play for five euros," said DFB president Reinhard Grindel. "We  know it's special motivation for the children and teenagers in our clubs to be able to support their heroes. We hope lots of young fans in Leverkusen will get behind our players and give them a boost for the World Cup in Russia." For the game against Saudi Arabia, being played six days before the World Cup opening game against Russia, Germany coach Joachim Löw is expecting, "a different way of playing and mentality we aren't so familiar with but which we have to be prepared for at a World  Cup. I assume Saudi Arabia will take the game against us very seriously and not give anything away." 

In Group F, the reigning World Cup winners Germany, will play Mexico (17 June), Sweden (23 June) and South Korea (27 June). Germany have played Saudi Arabia twice before. In 1998 there was a 3-0 win for Germany in a friendly in Riyadh. Germany won 8-0 in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup.

Previous full internationals in Leverkusen:

18.12.1991:           Germany v Luxembourg 4-0 (Euro qualifier 1992)

08.10.1995:        Germany v Moldova 6-1 (Euro qualifier 1996)

04.06.1999:      Germany v  Moldova 6-1 (Euro qualifier 2000)

24.03.2001:      Germany v Albania 2-1 (World Cup qualifier 2002)

18.05.2002:      Germany v Austria 6-2

30.05.2006:    Germany  v Japan 2-2

05.09.2009:    Germany v South Africa 2-0

Related News

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg
Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-1 win at SC Freiburg on Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04RBL
Bundesliga - 19.09.2026

Matchday news: Wide range of activities on Family Matchday

Calling Bayer 04 families – this matchday is all yours! As part of the Family Matchday on Sunday 20 September, not only will the Werkself take on RB Leipzig at 15:30 CEST but there will also be a variety of activity zones for young and old alike be set up around the BayArena. What’s more, genuine Bayer 04 rarities await Black and Red fans at the Fantrödel flea market. By taking part in the fan travel survey, Leverkusen supporters can help the club gather important information and even win a jersey before the Werkself hit the ground running against Leipzig on the pitch. The matchday news for RB Leipzig game.

Show more
RB Leipzig beim Torjubel
Bundesliga - 19.09.2026

Our next opponents: Leipzig, strong at home, looking to improve away form

It has been a mixed start to the season for RB Leipzig. The team from Saxony have a flawless record at home but are less successful on the road to date. RBL are looking to change that in their away fixture at the BayArena on Sunday, 20 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). However, head coach Martin Demichelis will have to manage without a number of key players. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Paulina Tomasiak
Women - 18.09.2026

‘Good positional play and risk management’: Women aiming for third win of the season in Freiburg

With a flawless away record under their belts, the Bayer 04 women’s team travel to SC Freiburg. On Sunday 20 September (16:00 CEST), coach Roberto Pätzold’s side will be aiming for three points again, six days after their narrow defeat to Bayern Munich. The Werkself have emerged victorious from both of their away fixtures so far this season.

Show more