Confidence boost for the 05ers during the international break

All Mainz players victorious with their national teams

Mainz captain Silvan Widmer celebrated a 4-1 win with Switzerland against Sweden (Photo: IMAGO / STEINSIEK.CH).

The Mainz 05 squad returned to training this afternoon to prepare for Friday night’s home game against TSG Hoffenheim (20:30 CET). The group is still slightly smaller than usual, with several players away on international duty. Every Mainz player involved so far has enjoyed a win and gained confidence ahead of the Bundesliga restart.

Big wins for Switzerland and Germany U21s

The Swiss national team, featuring Mainz captain Silvan Widmer, recorded an emphatic 4-1 home victory over Sweden to all but secure their place at the 2026 World Cup. The 32-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes. Switzerland can now make qualification official with a win in Kosovo on Tuesday.

Germany’s U21 side, with Nelson Weiper among the substitutes, continued their strong European Championship qualifying campaign with a commanding 6-0 win over Malta. Weiper came on in the 66th minute. The next challenge awaits on Tuesday (18:00 CET) away to Georgia.

Germany’s U21s, featuring Nelson Weiper, secured three more points with a comfortable win over Malta (Photo: DFB/Thomas Böcker).

Sano assist, wins for Austria and South Korea

Kaishu Sano played a key role as Japan defeated Ghana 2-0 in a friendly. The Mainz midfielder completed the full 90 minutes and set up the opening goal. Japan will face Bolivia in another friendly on Tuesday.

Austria also celebrated a 2-0 win, beating Cyprus to take another step towards World Cup qualification. Mainz defender Phillipp Mwene had to sit out due to a yellow-card suspension. He will be eligible to return for Tuesday’s decisive qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina, where Austria can secure their spot at next summer’s tournament.

Jae-sung Lee was also on the winning side, starting and playing 60 minutes in South Korea’s 2-0 friendly win over Bolivia. The 33-year-old and his national team will take on Ghana on Tuesday.

Kaishu Sano played the full match and provided an assist in Japan’s 2-0 victory over Ghana.

Poland and Austria U21 sides both victorious

Poland’s U21s claimed an important 2-1 win over Italy in their European Championship qualifier. Mainz youngster Kacper Potulski was part of the squad but did not feature. The 18-year-old will hope to earn minutes on Tuesday when Poland face North Macedonia.

Austria’s U21s also picked up three points with a 1-0 win against Belgium. Konstantin Schopp was included in the squad but did not play.

Club Regional labour court rejects appeal in El Ghazi case Alle News First team Two 05ers book their tickets to the World Cup