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.
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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