The final international break before the summer recess has come to an end.
Numerous VfL Wolfsburg Women players were in action on the final matchday of the World Cup qualifiers. Alongside several key decisions in the race for qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, there were also two youth-level friendlies on the schedule.
Germany remain unbeaten
The German national team rounded off their World Cup qualifying campaign with another victory. The DFB side had already secured their place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil before the final matchday. A 2-0 away win in Slovenia ensured Germany remained unbeaten in their sixth group match. For the She-Wolves, Camilla Küver, captain Janina Minge and Sarai Linder were on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Vivien Endemann was substituted in the 75th minute, while Sophia Kleinherne came on at half-time. Stina Johannes was also included in the squad but did not feature.
Play-offs for Norway
Norway concluded the group stage of World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 home victory over Austria. Thea Bjelde played a decisive role, heading her side into a 1-0 lead immediately after the restart (46’). The VfL player was substituted after 74 minutes. Guro Bergsvand started the match and left the field in the 65th minute, while Justine Kielland did not feature. With 12 points, Norway finish Group A4 in second place behind Germany and must now come through the play-offs to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.
Netherlands and Poland into the play-offs
The Netherlands finished the World Cup qualifying group stage in second place in Group A2. Oranje beat Poland 3-1 on the final matchday and ended the campaign two points behind France. Lineth Beerensteyn captained the Dutch side and was substituted in the 76th minute. Caitlin Dijkstra, Janou Levels and Ella Peddemors did not feature. On the Polish side, Weronika Arasniewicz also remained on the bench. While the Netherlands will now battle for a World Cup place in the play-offs, Poland will also enter the qualifying play-off rounds despite finishing fourth in the table. Under the qualifying format, all teams from League A progress to the play-off phase, with the exception of the group winners.
Vallotto scores in Swiss victory
Switzerland also had reason to celebrate at the end of the group stage. The Swiss defeated Northern Ireland 2-1 away from home to secure top spot in Group B2. Smilla Vallotto helped put her side on course for victory by scoring what was then the 2-0 goal. The VfL midfielder found the net in the 41st minute and was substituted after 67 minutes. Despite winning the group, Switzerland’s place at the World Cup is not yet secured. The Swiss must now successfully navigate two play-off rounds to book their ticket to the 2027 World Cup.
Victory for Germany U19s
At youth level, Germany’s U19 national team recorded a 1-0 victory over the United States. Nelly Smolarczyk was included in the squad but did not feature in the win over the Americans.
Zielinska features in friendly
With the upcoming U19 European Championship in June and the U20 World Cup in September on the horizon, Poland’s youth side played a friendly and came away with a 2-0 win. Maja Zielinska started the match and played the first half before being substituted at the break.
Results at a glance
- Slovenia – Germany 0-2
- Norway – Austria 2-1
- Netherlands – Poland 3-1
- Northern Ireland – Switzerland 1-2
- Germany U19 – USA U19 1-0
- Poland U20 – Mexico U20 2-0
