Six Union Players Called-Up

The Nominees

Andrej Ilic can look forward to his debut. The twenty-five-year-old, who already has six caps for Serbia's U21 team, has been nominated for the first time by the White Eagles as they look to gain important qualification points for the 2026 World Cup. Serbia host Albania and then, three days later travel to Andorra. Currently Dragan Stojkovic's side are sitting third in Group K and desperately need two good results after the heavy 5-0 home defeat against England to keep second place in sight.

Serbia vs. Albania
Saturday | 11.10.2025 | Leskovac
Andorra vs. Serbia
Tuesday | 14.10.2025 | Encamp

For defender Leopold Querfeld, reaching the World Cup is also on the agenda. The Austrian team have won four out of four qualifying matches so far and want to continue this winning streak against San Marino. After that, it will be crucial to secure the expected table lead in qualifying Group H for the 2026 World Cup against Romania.

Austria vs. San Marino
Thursday | 09.10.2025 | Vienna
Romania vs. Austria
Sunday | 12.10.2025 | Bucharest

On the seventh matchday of the World Cup Qualifiers, allrounder Alex Král and his Czech teammates will host Croatia. This match finds the sides vying for top position in Group L, with Croatia currently top. After this test, they will face a likely lighter challenge when the Czechs travel to the Faroe Islands.

Czech Republic vs. Croatia
Thursday | 09.10.2025 | Prague
Faroe Islands vs. Czech Republic
Sunday | 12.10.2025 | Streymoy

András Schäfer will also feature in the upcoming internationals. With only one point from two games so far, a victory against currently second-placed Armenia is extremely important for his Hungary team. The following match will take the 37-time international and his teammates to Portugal, facing the still unbeaten and current UEFA Nations League winners.

Hungary vs. Armenia
Saturday | 11.10.2025 | Budapest
Portugal vs. Hungary
Tuesday | 14.10.2025 | Lisbon

Two soccer players racing for the ball during a game in a stadium.

Tom Rothe, Ilyas Ansah and Aljoscha Kemlein have also been nominated once again for Germany's U21s. The latter will, however, not travel to the junior selection as a precaution following a challenge sustained during Union's game in Leverkusen.

The players have three rest days following the first game against Greece, before they play in Northern Ireland. With two wins, they could significantly distance themselves from the competition in Group F and facilitate direct qualification for the European Championship.