Assan Ouédraogo named in Germany squad for FIFA U-17 World Cup

Although the Germany squad will travel to South-East Asia on 4th November, FC Schalke 04 will follow the official dates of the FIFA international break, which begins on 13th November. A decision on the exact date Ouédraogo will join up with his national team will be made after the league game in Nürnberg (4/11). “We’re extremely proud that a player that has been at the club since he was a child will represent Germany at a World Cup. We therefore respect and support Assan’s decision to take part in this youth World Cup,” explained sporting director André Hechelmann. “At the same time though, we have to put the club first. As a result, a final decision on when he can travel to meet up with the team will be made after the away game in Nürnberg.”

Germany U17s will face Mexico (12/11, 13:00 CET), New Zealand (15/11, 13:00 CET) and Venezuela (18/11, 13:00 CET) in the group stages. The international break ends after the group phase, so a decision will need to be made as to whether Assan stays with the national side or returns to Gelsenkirchen. “Our discussions with DFB representatives went well and it’s clear that we’ve got a mutual understanding of the situation. We wish Christian Wück’s team all the best for the tournament in Indonesia,” said Hechelmann.

At the U17 European Championships last summer, Germany reached the final and beat France on penalties. They qualified for the U-17 World Cup as a result of their triumph in the Euros.