Women’s Friendly Preview: Germany vs. Australia
| Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images |
Germany entertain Australia in Karlsruhe on Friday as women's football takes the first international break of the season. Both sides are already qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Christian Wück’s side finished top of their qualifying group after their disappointing defeat to Spain in the UEFA Women’s Nations League final. The goalless draw with Austria in Ried was the only game they failed to win during their qualifying campaign.
While the remaining World Cup spots for European countries will be decided by playoff ties, Germany set up friendlies against Australia and Japan in October’s international break.
With the emergence of the Nations League, Germany last played a friendly game at the end of 2024 when they lost 2-1 to Italy in Bochum. In contrast, Australia played four friendlies since April, including facing Mexico twice at the end of last season.
These two teams last met in Duisburg two years ago as Australia came from behind to record a 2-1 friendly victory.
Team News
Germany captain Giulia Gwinn couldn’t join the squad after her nomination as she suffered a torn lateral ligament in her left ankle in Bayern’s narrow win over Eintracht Frankfurt last Saturday. Australian star Mary Fowler is absent due to personal reasons.
Predicted Lineups
Germany: Mahmutovic; Kett, Kuver, Minge ©, Wamser; Nüsken, Senß; Endemann, Dallmann, Brand; Mühlhaus
Australia: Arnold; Torpey, Catley, Heatley, Carpenter; Murphy, Wheeler; Foord ©, McNamara, Raso; Kerr
