Ann-Katrin Berger has been named in Germany's squad for the crucial World Cup 2027 qualifiers against Norway and Slovenia, ending speculation about the 35-year-old goalkeeper's fitness. The Gotham FC shot-stopper sustained an abdominal injury during a recent club match and spent a night in hospital, but national coach Christian Wück confirmed there is no structural damage.
"We've received initial reassurance. She spent a night in hospital, but there's no structural damage," Wück said. "She's still in pain, but expects things to improve over the next few days. So we're assuming it will work out – however, we also have a Plan B in case something comes up." With Berger's status uncertain until confirmation, the coaching staff has included backup goalkeepers Stina Johannes of VfL Wolfsburg and Ena Mahmutovic of Bayern Munich in the squad as precaution.
Squad Absences and Returning Players
Germany will be without captain Giulia Gwinn, who is recovering from shoulder surgery after helping Bayern Munich clinch the domestic double. Striker Nicole Anyomi is also unavailable through injury, while centre-back Janina Minge faces a suspension for the Norway fixture. However, the squad welcomes back several players from injury layoffs, including Klara Bühl, Sophia Kleinherne, Kathrin Hendrich, and Marie Müller. Midfielder Melissa Kössler, who last represented her country in 2024, has also been recalled after an extended absence.
The stakes could hardly be higher for the two matches. A victory at home in Cologne on June 5 would secure early qualification for Brazil 2027, yet Germany hold only a one-point advantage over Norway at the summit of Group A4 following a 0-0 draw in Austria. Four days later, the team travels to Ljubljana to face Slovenia on June 9.
Wück has made his ambition crystal clear: "Our objective is simple: finish first in the group and secure direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil." Despite injuries hampering preparation, the German women's squad has demonstrated resilience throughout their qualifying campaign and will look to convert home advantage into the points needed to guarantee their passage to the tournament in South America.
