AUDIO: Use of goalkeeper Berger questionable (1 min)
World Cup qualification
As of: June 2nd, 2026 3:01 p.m
With a win against Norway, the German footballers would book their ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil early. But national coach Christian Wück has to solve a personnel puzzle. And then there is the most recent appearance in Austria.
The 0-0 draw in Austria left its mark – especially in the table: instead of being sure of the World Cup, the lead over Norway shrank to one point. But it is also important to get the disappointment out of your head. The players emphasize that the game has been worked through. But now there has to be a significant increase in performance on the pitch.
Wück spoke of a “small step backwards” and assured before the direct duel on Friday (8:35 p.m., live on Erste) in Cologne that “we will not have any doubts.”
“The pressure also plays a part in qualifying for the World Cup. The home crowd can help us a lot.”
National player Linda Dallmann
Leading player Linda Dallmann was also confident on Tuesday. “The situation is a little more difficult now. We are under a bit of pressure. But that doesn’t bother us much. Maybe it’s actually a good thing to be in such a situation as a relatively young team,” said the 31-year-old.
The starting position in Group A4 is clear: with a win, the DFB women would qualify for the World Cup early. In the event of a draw, they would at least still have qualification in their own hands on the last match day and could avoid the play-offs. The game in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is on Tuesday (6 p.m.).
Wück has to solve a personnel puzzle
However, Wück will have to do without his captain in the final two group games. Giulia Gwinn, who dislocated her shoulder in the international match against Austria in mid-April, has now undergone successful surgery. Her club Bayern Munich announced last week that the 26-year-old would “dedicate herself to her rehabilitation with immediate effect.”
Gwinn’s Munich teammate Franziska Kett was injured against Norway, as was Nicole Anyomi. Janina Minge also has to watch because of her red card from the Austria game. The use of goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who is suffering from an abdominal injury, is at least questionable.
“The failures obviously affect us. At the same time, we know that others will take responsibility. We have great confidence in our squad, in every single player,” said Wück, who was also able to welcome a few returnees: Klara Bühl, Sophia Kleinherne, Kathrin Hendrich and Marie Müller are available again after their failures in April.
Kössler returns after a two-year break
Melissa Kössler is back in the squad after a long break. The attacker has been playing for Denver Summit FC in the USA since this year – and has attracted attention there with good performances and goals in the first games. The nomination by Wück still came as a “very surprise” to the 26-year-old, said Kössler. She was “on a road trip” when she received the message from the national coach. She then called Wück straight away. “I was very pleased.”
Does the Cologne audience make the difference?
The team didn’t get back together until Monday. According to Dallmann, the first step is to ensure that everyone recharges their batteries again. A decisive factor should also be the audience in Cologne, where the DFB women are playing an international match for the first time.
Dallmann himself comes from Dinslaken and expects plenty of support. But not just from her loved ones: “We know that the people here are very enthusiastic about football. That helps us a lot as a team when we have people behind us in such an important game.”
Wück: “Everyone knows what it’s about”
The Munich native is looking forward to the game against the Norwegians: “I’m glad that we can compete with the team under pressure during World Cup preparations.” The team knows exactly “what to expect on Friday.” And the surprisingly clear 4-0 win in the first leg at the beginning of March showed what the DFB women are capable of.
National coach Wück also wants to quickly forget the 0-0 draw against Austria: “We are in a positive mood and will continue on our path. We want to be counted among the top nations. It was clear that the path is not linearly upward,” explained the national coach and added: “Everyone knows what it’s about and we know that the team is ready to buy their World Cup ticket.”
