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

FC25_TOTS_Bundesliga_Motif_DesignTemp_16x9.jpg
Bayer 04 - 09.05.2025

Numerous Bayer 04 players in 2024/25 Team of the Season

Bayer 04 are again strongly represented in this year's Bundesliga Team of the Season from the games manufacturer EA Sports. Five Werkself players have been voted into the top XI for the 2024/25 season, a duo from the Bayer 04 Women's team are in the female Bundesliga TOTS. Bayer 04 were well represented last season with six male players in the top eleven, the most players from one club.

Show more
BVB
Bundesliga - 09.05.2025

Our next opponents: On course for a happy ending

A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Jupp Heynckes
Bayer 04 - 09.05.2025

A legend as a striker and a coach: Jupp Heynckes turns 80

In the long and renowned career of Jupp Heynckes his two years at Leverkusen fill a short chapter. Nevertheless, his work under the Bayer Cross between 2009 and 2011 left its mark. The former world class striker and coach with a worldwide reputation was also very successful here and he led the Werkself to the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga and he made a lasting impression on many people at the club. Jupp Heynckes today celebrates his 80th birthday. Many happy returns from Bayer 04 as we look back at two great years.

Show more
U19
U19 - 08.05.2025

‘Fans will give us an extra boost’: U19s host FC Bayern in semi-final tie

A cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.

Show more