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
The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
Show more
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
Show more
The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
Show more
On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
Show more
After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
Show more
