Goalkeeper Bernd Leno and Julian Brandt have been called up by Joachim Löw for the next step towards qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Germany team are runaway leaders in Group C with eight wins from eight games and they just need one point from Thursday night's (20.45 CET) away game in Belfast against closest rivals Northern Ireland to secure qualification. The final group match is on Sunday 8 October against Azerbaijan in Kaiserslautern.
Benjamin Henrichs and Jonathan Tah, who have often been in Löw's squad, are set to play for the Germany U21s this week. The team coached by Stefan Kuntz have European Championship qualifiers against Azerbaijan (Friday, 6 October 19.00 CET) and away to Norway (Tuesday, 10 October 19.00 CET) , Following on from the 1-0 victory over Kosovo on the first matchday. Another player for Germany is Kai Havertz with the U19 side playing three European Championship qualifiers in Poland: against Belarus (Wednesday, 4 October, 12.00 CET), Northern Ireland (Saturday, 7 October, 12.00 CET and the hosts Poland (Tuesday, 10 October, 18.00 CET). Havertz is joined in the squad by Bayer 04 U19 players Sam Schreck and Atakan Akkaynak.
Switzerland are also in with a fantastic chance of playing in the FIFA tournament in Russia in 2018. Admir Mehmedi and his team-mates have performed impressively in Group B and, like Germany, have a maximum return of 24 points from their eight games. The Swiss round off their campaign against Hungary (Saturday, seven October) and in a top of the group clash with the European Champions Portugal (Tuesday, 10 October) on three less points. The winners of the nine qualifying groups go through and the eight best runners-up play off for four places at the World Cup.
The situation In Group D is not looking good for Julian Baumgartlinger and Austria as they are five points adrift. The final two matches see Austria take on group leaders Serbia (Friday, 6 October) and bottom of the group Moldova (Monday, 9 October). Finland and Joel Pohjanpalo already have no chance of qualifying in Group I. The final opponents for Finland are Croatia (Friday, 6 October) and Turkey (Monday, 9 October). Greece are still in with a chance of finishing runners-up in Group H. The team coached by Michael Skibbe including Panos Retsos, who recently celebrated his debut, need two wins against Cyprus (Saturday, 7 October) and Gibraltar (Tuesday, 10 October).
Charles Aránguiz can only cross his fingers for Chile from afar following the calf injury he sustained against Schalke on Friday. 'La Rocha' are in danger of missing out in the South American World Cup qualifying group: The team are currently in sixth place and they need to overtake either Argentina or Peru. Only the first four teams qualify directly and the country in fifth place team plays off against the Oceania representatives. Chile are at home first against Ecuador (Friday, 6 October) and then are away to the group winners Brazil (Wednesday, 11 October).
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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