Germany, who Werkself captain Robert Andrich played for in the qualifier against Northern Ireland, will face Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire and World Cup debutants Curacao - the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup finals - in Group E.
Spain will face Cape Verde - another World Cup newcomer -, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H. In qualifying, which the reigning European champions finished without defeat, Alejandro Grimaldo played against Bulgaria and set up a goal. His Leverkusen team-mate Aleix Garcia played in three qualifying duels, most recently from the start.
The Netherlands also remained unbeaten in qualifying. Werkself keeper Mark Flekken kept a clean sheet in the two opening wins against Finland and Malta. The opponents for the Oranje in Group F are Japan and Tunisia. They will also face another opponent from the remaining play-offs (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania).
England had a perfect record in qualifying with wins all the way. Jarell Quansah, among others, played his part in ensuring that Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions did not concede a goal in their eighth and final match. The Leverkusen new signing made his full international debut in the win against Albania - and he played the full 90 minutes. England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
As the clear winner of the South American World Cup qualifiers, where the ten participants are listed in an overall table, the current World Cup winners Argentina will also be taking part next year. Werkself player Exequiel Palacios featured in nine qualifying games. The Albiceleste will face Austria, World Cup newcomers Jordan and Algeria in Group J at the World Cup. Bayer 04 newcomer Ibrahim Maza played three qualifying matches for the latter.
Morocco, with Werkself attacker Eliesse Ben Seghir who made seven appearances in qualifying (six times in the starting eleven), will face Brazil, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.
As one of the hosts, the USA qualified automatically. Part of the preparations for the tournament was the Gold Cup in the summer, where Bayer 04 playmaker Malik Tillman did not miss a minute and was directly involved in five goals. The USA have recently played several friendlies. Their opponents in Group D are Paraguay and Australia, with another opponent coming from the remaining play-offs (Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey or Romania).
World Cup format:
For the first time, 48 teams are taking part, divided into twelve groups of four. The twelve group winners and runners-up as well as the eight best third-placed teams will reach the Round of 16, the start of the knockout phase with a total of 32 teams.
As part of the joint commitment of Bayer 04 and the City of Leverkusen to volunteering, the annual Volunteer Day took place in the 19nullvier Lounge at the BayArena. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, Stefan Hebbel, Mayor of the City of Leverkusen, and club representative Stefan Kießling praised the commitment of the 200 or so volunteers from the region in attendance and thanked them for their impressive efforts.
Show more
After three defeats in a row, the Bayer 04 Women are aiming to get back on track against RB Leipzig. In the home game on Saturday (14:00 CET) at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, coach Roberto Pätzold will probably be able to count on two key players recently sidelined due to injury.
Show more
The clubs in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga will set up the Frauen-Bundesliga FBL e.V. On 10 December. The clubs have joined together to open a new chapter in the history of German women's football.
Show more
In his 13 years as a professional player at Bayer 04, the honorary captain and record goalscorer made 446 appearances scoring 238 goals along the way. Many of them remain unforgotten, including his header to win the DFB Pokal in 1993. Ulf Kirsten celebrates his 60th birthday today Thursday - and Bayer 04 are happy to take this opportunity to look back on some of the former number nine’s special goals and games. But first of all: Happy Birthday, dear Ulf!
Show more
