Overview
- The friendly is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, with a 17:45 kickoff at Bremen’s Weserstadion and live coverage on ARD, the ARD-Mediathek, Joyn and ran’s liveticker.
- The match is part of Germany’s build-up for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and is framed as a tough test because Japan won the 2026 Asian Games and is regarded as one of the world’s top teams.
- Germany’s squad is disrupted by multiple absences and ailments, with goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger given a planned pause to prepare for Gotham FC’s playoffs and Shekiera Martinez added as a late replacement.
- Reporting conflicts over captain Giulia Gwinn’s status have left her availability unclear, and coach Christian Wück has not confirmed a starting goalkeeper for the game.
- How Germany performs will influence selection and roles ahead of the World Cup, giving newcomers and stand-ins a chance to stake claims while coaching staff weigh fitness, club commitments and form.