By Eskender Tamrat@eskeFussball

Felix Zwayer named among referees for World Cup

Germany will only be represented by one referee in the 2026 World Cup.
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Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Felix Zwayer will be the only German referee at the 2026 World Cup as FIFA announced the final list of 52 names. It’s going to be the first World Cup for the referee who officiated the semi-final between England and the Netherlands during the 2024 Euros.

Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz are the assistant referees assigned alongside the 44-year-old referee. In addition, Bastian Dankert is selected as one of the 30 video assistant referees.

Dankert was also on VAR duty in the first two tournaments where FIFA adopted the technology. Daniel Siebert was the only German referee at the Qatar World Cup.

Bundesliga news

World CupFelix Zwayer named among referees for World Cup
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Match report FreiburgGrifo and Ginter inspire another historic night for Freiburg
Rumor RB LeipzigLeipzig plan with Bakayoko for next season despite exit rumours
Rumor Borussia Mönchengladbach & VfL WolfsburgVfL Wolfsburg join the race for Haris Tabaković
Mainz 05Mainz reveal why Lee and Leitsch missed out on Strasbourg clash
Rumor VfB StuttgartChelsea join race for Stuttgart star
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. Celta Vigo
Mainz 05Confirmed Lineups: Mainz 05 vs. Strasbourg
Rumor Werder BremenBremen chief reveals Niclas Füllkrug "expressed interest in coming back" in winter
Bayern MunichBayern chief wishes Vincent Kompany happy 40th-birthday celebrations
Rumor Borussia Dortmund"He’s working his way up" – Kovač gives Fabio Silva his vote of confidence
Rumor Bayern MunichEx-Bayern defender Dante could take over U-23 coaching position

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

Preview Augsburg, HoffenheimFC Augsburg vs. TSG Hoffenheim preview: Champions League hopefuls seek to end downward spiral
RB LeipzigLeipzig sweat over fitness of attacking duo
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 29
Bayer 04 Leverkusen"We've made many mistakes this season" – Grimaldo urges Leverkusen to step up
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 28
Match report Eintracht Frankfurt, KölnRené Wagner’s Köln fight back for a point in Frankfurt
Match report Union Berlin, St. PauliIlic cancels out Pereira Lage's screamer as Union Berlin and St. Pauli share spoils
Eintracht Frankfurt, KölnConfirmed Lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. 1. FC Köln
Union Berlin, St. PauliConfirmed Lineups: Union Berlin vs. FC St. Pauli
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart"We were punished ruthlessly" – Hoeneß and Undav react to Dortmund defeat
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundKovač and Schlotterbeck admit BVB "won with a bit of luck" on their side
Post-match reaction Bayer LeverkusenHjulmand on Leverkusen's fightback: "We showed good character"
Post-match reaction RB Leipzig David Raum full of praise following victory in Bremen: “One hell of a group”
Post-match reaction 1. FSV Mainz 05 Tietz “extremely happy” following victory over Hoffenheim
Match report Stuttgart, BVBSupersubs architect Borussia Dortmund’s fiery win in Stuttgart
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichKompany delighted with win over a Freiburg side "who gave everything"
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichLennart Karl: "I've always had it in my mind to score a late winner and take off my shirt"
Match report HSV, AugsburgGregoritsch's sportsmanship dominates Augsburg's draw with ten-man HSV
VfB Stuttgart, Borussia DortmundConfirmed Lineups: VfB Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund
Match report Bayern Munich & SC FreiburgKarl the hero as battling Bayern defeat Freiburg at the death
Match report SV Werder Bremen & RB Leipzig Clinical Leipzig prevail on Ole Werner’s return to Bremen
Match report Gladbach, Heidenheim Combative Heidenheim salvage draw away at Glabach
Match report Bayer Leverkusen & VfL WolfsburgLeverkusen complete second-half comeback in nine-goal thriller with Wolfsburg
Match report TSG 1899 Hoffenheim & 1. FSV Mainz 05 Tietz at the double to lift Mainz over Hoffenheim
Hamburger SV & FC Augsburg Confirmed lineups: Hamburger SV vs. FC Augsburg

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 29
Fantasy Football FC BayernPredicted Champions League quarter-final first-leg lineups
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 29
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 28
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 28
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 28
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 27
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 27
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 27
Fantasy Football Champions LeaguePredicted Champions League lineups: Round of 16 second legs
Fantasy Football FantasyWatch: Matchday 26 Fantasy Bundesliga show
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 26
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 26
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 26
Fantasy Football Champions LeaguePredicted Champions League round of 16 first-leg lineups
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 25
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 25
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 25
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 24
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 24
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 24
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for return legs of knockout play-offs
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 23
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 23
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 23

German Teams in Europe

Match report Mainz 05Advantage Mainz over Strasbourg in Conference League quarter-final tie
Match report FreiburgGrifo and Ginter inspire another historic night for Freiburg
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. Celta Vigo
Mainz 05Confirmed Lineups: Mainz 05 vs. Strasbourg
Preview Mainz1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. RC Strasbourg Alsace Conference League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs. RC Celta de Vigo Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Post-match reaction Bayern Munich"These decisions are hard to understand" – Arbeloa claims Tah deserved red card
Post-match reaction FC BayernSerge Gnabry: "We deserved the win"
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichDiaz "feeling much more comfortable" taking one-goal lead back to Munich
FC BayernVincent Kompany: "It feels like half-time"
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichKane on victory in Madrid: “I thought we played some really good stuff today"
Post-match reaction FC BayernManuel Neuer on Bayern's win over Real Madrid: "It's a shame it didn't end 2-0"
FC BayernNeuer named Player of the Match after standout display for Bayern against Real Madrid
Match report Bayern MunichMadrid left reeling as Bayern power to first-leg win at the Bernabéu
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernBayern Munich player ratings vs Real Madrid: How Vincent Kompany’s side fared at the Bernabeu
Bayern MunichConfirmed lineups: Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich
FC BayernReal Madrid unveil squad for first Champions League quarter-final game vs. Bayern
Rumor FC BayernHuge Kane boost: "90-10" chance of starting for Bayern in Real Madrid showdown
FC Bayern"I don't think he has lost his rhythm" – Kompany gives fresh update on Kane
FC BayernJoshua Kimmich: "Bayern and Real are the biggest clubs in the world"
FC Bayern"We can win everything this year!" – Goretzka full of confidence ahead of Bayern's trip to Madrid
FC Bayern"He has done everything to be there" – Bayern boss gives injury update on Kane
FC BayernBayern unveil squad for first Champions League quarter-final game vs. Real Madrid
FC Bayern"We need the Bernabéu behind us" – Vinícius Jr. counts on fan support against Bayern
FC BayernReal Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa ahead of Bayern encounter: "We're facing the most in-form team in Europe"

DFB-Pokal

DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal semi-final draw confirmed
Match report RB Leipzig"It's absolutely insane" – Ole Werner livid at refereeing call in Munich
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichKimmich content with "dominant" second-half in cup win over Leipzig
Match report Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigSecond-half blitz of Leipzig secures Pokal semi-final berth for Bayern
Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigConfirmed lineups: Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig
Match report SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCFlorian Müller the hero as Freiburg end Hertha's Pokal dreams on penalties
RB Leipzig“We’ve seen that they’re vulnerable" – Raum ahead of Pokal quarter-final
SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCConfirmed lineups: Hertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg
RB LeipzigHenrichs primed for Bayern test: "We have to be vigilant throughout the entire match"
Preview Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigBayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
RB Leipzig“We have nothing to lose” – RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner ahead of Wednesday’s cup clash with Bayern
FC BayernKompany confirms Neuer start, provides squad update ahead of Leipzig clash
Preview SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCHertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
FC Bayern & RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal clash between Bayern and RB Leipzig set to go ahead despite transport strike
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielMarcel Rapp: “We lacked counter-attacking opportunities”
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielGoalscorers applaud Stuttgart’s fightback in cup win
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielSebastian Hoeneß: “We deserved the victory”
Match report VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielUndav sends Stuttgart into Pokal semis in Kiel
Holstein Kiel, VfB StuttgartConfirmed Lineups: Holstein Kiel vs. VfB Stuttgart
Preview DFB-PokalHolstein Kiel vs. Stuttgart DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Post-match reaction FC St. PauliBlessin reacts to quarter-final defeat: “It’s a shame because there was more in it for us today”
Post-match reaction Bayer LeverkusenAndrich: “St. Pauli didn’t have the quality today”
Match report Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliLeverkusen cruise past St. Pauli to reach third-straight DFB-Pokal semi-finals
Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliConfirmed DFB-Pokal quarter-final lineups: Bayer Leverkusen vs. St Pauli
Preview Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. Pauli Bayer Leverkusen vs. St. Pauli DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups

German National Team

Rumor Bayern Munich & German National Team"He belongs in the national team" – Lothar Matthäus on Manuel Neuer
Post-match reaction FC BayernJonathan Tah delighted with "special" Bayern win at the Bernabéu
VfB Stuttgart & Germany"Deniz delivers the answers on the pitch" – Sebastian Hoeneß joins debate over Undav's Germany role
Germany"It bothers me" – Nick Woltemade hits back at criticism over his Newcastle performances
German National Team & Bayern Munich"He has a lot going for him" – Podolski praises Karl while paying tribute to Undav
Match report GermanyFrom U17 exit to U21 redemption: Here's how Germany’s five youth teams start 2026
Match report Germany U19Germany qualify for U19 Euros with exhilarating win over Austria
Match report Germany U21El Mala and Kade help Germany U21 top Euro qualifiers group
Match report Germany U17Germany U17 fail to qualify for both Euros and World Cup
RB LeipzigGruda suffers muscular problems while on German U-21 duty
Germany WomenGermany announce squad for Women’s World Cup qualifiers
Preview Germany U19Confirmed Lineups: Germany U19 vs. Austria U19
Germany U21Confirmed Lineups: Greece U21 vs. Germany U21
Preview Germany U17Confirmed Lineups: Germany U17 vs. France U17
GermanyNiclas Füllkrug still in contention for Germany's World Cup squad
Post-match reaction German National Team"He's been one of the best" – Lennart Karl earns Nagelsmann's plaudits
Post-match reaction German National Team"The roles are for the World Cup, not for March" – Nagelsmann unlikely to change tack on Undav role
Post-match reaction German National TeamGermany player ratings: How Julian Nagelsmann's side fared against Ghana
Preview Germany U21 Greece U21 vs. Germany U21 preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Match report German National TeamUndav the hometown hero as Germany strike late to defeat Ghana
German National TeamConfirmed lineups: Germany vs. Ghana
Germany"It wasn't an easy phase" – Florian Wirtz opens up on Liverpool criticism
GermanyWoltemade tipped to lead Germany attack against Ghana
GermanyNagelsmann confirms Nübel will start for Germany against Ghana
Germany"A bit unsure and unfocused on the ball" – Nagelsmann on Schlotterbeck's performance against Switzerland

Long reads

Analysis/Commentary FC BayernBayern Munich player ratings vs Real Madrid: How Vincent Kompany’s side fared at the Bernabeu
Editor's pick Werder Bremen"Momentum is going our way" – Daniel Thioune and Werder heading in the right direction
Editor's pick RB Leipzig Antonio Nusa: A growing influence in Leipzig
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund Borussia Dortmund expand global footprint with "World Street Series" initiative
Editor's pick Werder Bremen Leonardo Bittencourt reflects on dual nationality and his final few months with Werder Bremen
Analysis/Commentary GermanyGermany player ratings: How Julian Nagelsmann's side fared against Switzerland
Analysis/Commentary GERMANYWho missed out for Germany's March internationals?
Analysis/Commentary Ermedin Demirović Opinion: Ermedin Demirović needs to be better for Bosnia-Herzegovina
Analysis/Commentary RB LeipzigOvercoming it all – Yan Diomande's tricky path to Bundesliga stardom
Editor's pick Borussia DortmundWho is Nils-Ole Book, Borussia Dortmund's new sporting director?
Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund​EXCLUSIVE: "We weren’t doing a good enough job" – Dortmund boss reveals how Club World Cup eye-opener forced a strategy shift
Editor's pick FC BayernWho is Leonard Prescott? 16-year-old goalkeeper could make Bayern debut against Atalanta in Champions League
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundOpinion: Julian Brandt’s Borussia Dortmund stay has been a mixed bag
Editor's pick FC IngolstadtINTERVIEW: "I was afraid of closing the door" – Pioneering Ingolstadt coach Sabrina Wittmann on opening a new path for women in football
Editor's pick BundesligaINTERVIEW: "I was always a friend of opening up that rule..." – Jürgen Klinsmann weighs in on 50+1 debate
Analysis/Commentary Bayern MunichCrunching the numbers: How Bayern Munich perform without Harry Kane
Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Analysis/Commentary Bremen & FC BayernHow can Werder Bremen spring a surprise against Bayern Munich?
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundOpinion: Nico Schlotterbeck’s title ambition exposes Dortmund’s problem
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Analysis/Commentary BremenSamuel Mbangula steps up for Werder Bremen
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions

Exclusive interviews

Editor's pick Borussia Dortmund​EXCLUSIVE: "We weren’t doing a good enough job" – Dortmund boss reveals how Club World Cup eye-opener forced a strategy shift
Editor's pick FC IngolstadtINTERVIEW: "I was afraid of closing the door" – Pioneering Ingolstadt coach Sabrina Wittmann on opening a new path for women in football
Editor's pick BundesligaINTERVIEW: "I was always a friend of opening up that rule..." – Jürgen Klinsmann weighs in on 50+1 debate
Exclusive interview FC BayernINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klinsmann hails Harry Kane as "fantastic" and "the best ambassador you could wish for"
Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: USMNT and Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks names favorite club and childhood football idols
Exclusive interview Bundesliga"It's clear we need to change something" – How Jürgen Klopp recently hinted at plans for German U21 league
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigMarcel Schäfer interview: How "god-given talent" Jürgen Klopp is helping RB Leipzig close deals for new players
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum on Rômulo vs. Šeško: How RB Leipzig’s new striker has changed their game
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp discusses potential return to coaching amid Real Madrid links
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigRômulo laments Leipzig’s inefficiency in front of goal after Bayern defeat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigGulacsi on Leipzig's 1-5 defeat to Bayern: "The game was a lot more equal than the result shows"
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum in "no hurry" to extend Leipzig contract, reveals thoughts of future MLS move
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigOrban reflects on match-winning strike and Leipzig's performance in win over Freiburg
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Exclusive interview Borussia DortmundDortmund boss Kehl praises Jobe Bellingham for bouncing back after Bayern error
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes critical of Leverkusen’s first-half display in Copenhagen draw
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenTapsoba "happy" with one point in Copenhagen after early setback: “Everybody was sleeping”
Exclusive interview VfL WolfsburgEXCLUSIVE: Mads Roerslev opens up on injury struggles, Wolfsburg loan so far, future and more
Interview BundesligaEXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen talks Kane, Musiala, Sancho and looks back on famous hat-trick against Germany

Team News