Germany W vs Japan W - Friendlies Women

The Friendlies Women returns to the home ground on October 13, 2026, where Germany W and Japan W will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. How smooth can you be when receiving the ball, how quickly can you move from the back foot, hips open, face forward and find quality with the pass.

Both camps will view the Friendlies Women meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Germany W will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Japan W will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. Phil Foden was handed a free role in the No 10 position behind striker Muamba, who scored in consecutive pre-season games.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Germany W will look to impose their style on home soil, while Japan W are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. In possession, Silva has the confidence to play forwards rather than simply recycling possession.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Iraola is on record as an admirer of the former Borussia Dortmund coach who honed his ideas in the Red Bull school where looking forward and pressing high up the pitch are viewed as non-negotiables.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.