World Cup 2023: All you need to know about Germany

Germany finished runners-up at Women's Euro 2022 but they will be aiming to win the World Cup for the third time this summer. 

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg has a fantastic squad at her disposal — including eight players from Women's Champions League finalists Wolfsburg. 

They will be the favourites to top Group H and look to be tough challengers this summer.

Germany's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

Germany vs Morocco (Monday, July 24, 9.30am) 

Germany vs Colombia (Sunday, July 30, 10.30am) 

South Korea vs Germany (Thursday, August 3, 11am)

How Germany qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

Germany eased their way to the World Cup, only losing one of their 10 qualification matches — a 3-2 defeat against Serbia. 

They deservedly topped the group, scoring 47 goals and conceding just five. 

The standout result from their qualifying campaign was an 8-0 victory against Bulgaria, with Lea Schuller and Laura Freigang both bagging hat-tricks in a fine win.

Predicted XI

GK: Merle Frohms 
RB: Sophia Kleinherne 
CB: Kathrin Hendrich 
CB: Marina Hegering 
LB: Felicitas Rauch 
CDM: Lena Oberdorf 
CM: Lina Magull 
CM: Sara Dabritz 
RW: Svenja Huth 
ST: Lea Schuller 
LW: Jule Brand

Star player: Lea Schuller

Germany boast a number of talented players but striker Lea Schuller stands out above the rest. 

Her tally of 31 goals in 47 games for her country is exceptional and she will be eager to add to that this summer. 

She comes into the tournament in positive form, having bagged 14 times in 22 outings for Bayern Munich as they lifted the league title last term. 

Germany will likely rely on her to provide the decisive contribution in tight games.

One to watch: Lena Oberdorf

Lena Oberdorf played a pivotal role in Wolfsburg’s Champions League push, though they were narrowly beaten in the final. 

The 21-year-old defensive midfielder made 34 tackles and 12 interceptions in European competition for her club last season and is excellent at breaking up opposition attacks and protecting her back four.

She will be especially vital for Germany in the latter stages when facing higher-quality opposition.

The boss: Martina Voss-Tecklenburg

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, 55, took charge in November 2018 — and she has impressed since her appointment. 

She led the nation to the final of the Euros at Wembley last year, narrowly losing out to England in the final. 

As a player, she won that trophy four times but never managed to claim the biggest prize of them all — she will be desperate to rectify that as a coach.

Germany's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Ann-Katrin Berger (Chelsea), Merle Frohms (Wolfsburg), Stina Johannes (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Defenders: Sara Doorsoun (Eintracht Frankfurt), Marina Hegering (Wolfsburg), Kathrin Hendrich (Wolfsburg), Sophia Kleinherne (Eintracht Frankfurt), Sjoeke Nusken (Eintracht Frankfurt), Felicitas Rauch (Wolfsburg)

Midfielders: Sara Dabritz (Lyon), Chantal Hagel (Hoffenheim), Svenja Huth (Wolfsburg), Lena Lattwein (Wolfsburg), Melanie Leupolz (Chelsea), Lina Magull (Bayern Munich), Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg)

Forwards: Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg), Nicole Anyomi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Jule Brand (Wolfsburg), Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich), Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt), Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich), Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich)

All information correct as of July 10