Germany’s women opened their road to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil with an entertaining 4-2 win over Australia on Friday evening. In front of 26,352 fans at the BBBank Wildpark in Karlsruhe, Christian Wück’s side led 2-1 at half-time and stayed unbeaten for 2026.
The night belonged to Melissa Kössler. The 26-year-old forward, who plays for Denver Summit FC in the United States, scored her first two international goals on her fifth appearance. In the 23rd minute she pounced after Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold could only parry a Franziska Kett header from a Carlotta Wamser cross. Seven minutes later Elisa Senß split the defence with a through ball and Kössler drilled a low shot in from the edge of the box.
Australia captain Sam Kerr headed a goal back on the stroke of half-time, and the visitors pushed hard after the break. Wolfsburg centre-back Camilla Küver restored the two-goal cushion with her first goal for Germany after a corner in the 83rd minute. Holly McNamara pulled one back in stoppage time, but Sjoeke Nüsken swept home from another corner with the final action. Top prospect Lisa Baum made her debut, and Tori Tumeth became Matilda number 244.
Wück said he was pleased, praising his players’ hunger and the quality both on the pitch and on the bench. What annoyed him, he admitted, was letting an opponent who had been beaten back into the game. Matildas coach Joe Montemurro called it a very positive game and a fantastic chance to test his team against the world’s third-ranked side.
Australia face Haiti next, while Germany carry their unbeaten run into the rest of the autumn.
