
The current infection rate, which acts as a guideline and basis for official approval for matches to be played with crowds, has risen continuously in Leverkusen and surrounding districts since the start of October. At the moment the city of Leverkusen is classified as a risk area as the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the past seven days – known as the seven-day rate – has exceeded 50.
“It’s very difficult for us to have to manage without the support of our fans in the forthcoming crucial games. However, we want to and must play our part as an organisation and take responsibility as every other individual should do. We hope the trend not just in Leverkusen falls again as soon as possible,” said Fernando Carro, chairman of the board at Bayer 04.
Forthcoming Werkself fixtures:
FSV Mainz 05 v Bayer 04 (17 October, 15.30 CEST)
Bayer 04 v OGC Nice (22 October, 18.55 CEST)
Bayer 04 v FC Augsburg (26 October, 20.30 CET)
Slavia Prague v Bayer 04 (29 October, 21.00 CET)
SC Freiburg v Bayer 04 (1 November, 15.30 CET)
Hapoel Beer Sheva v Bayer 04 (5 November, 18.55 CET)
Bayer 04 v Borussia Mönchengladbach (8 November, 18.00 CET)


Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
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In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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