FSV Mainz 05 Team News - Soccer

Marco Richter - Back with Mainz after loan Richter is back with Mainz after spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Darmstadt.

Impact Richter enjoyed a successful loan spell at Darmstadt last season, finishing with two goals and 10 assists across 30 2. Bundesliga appearances. He probably did enough on loan to fight for a roster spot with Mainz ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Hong Hyeon-seok - Back after Gent loan Hong is back with Mainz after spending the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Gent.

Impact Hong spent time on loan at Nantes and Gent in the 2025/26 season, and it remains to be seen whether he'll secure a steady role in Mainz's first team for the 2026/27 campaign. Over those two loan spells, Hong made 25 appearances across all competitions but notched just one goal and one assist -- both for Gent.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Silvan Widmer - Could start against Algeria Widmer is fully fit and could start Switzerland's Round of 32 against Algeria after missing just one training session due to a hip issue, according to Radio Tele Suisse.

Impact Widmer's quick return to full training puts him in direct contention for the starting right-back role against Algeria, competing with Dennis Zakaria for the position if Luca Jaquez (undisclosed) is ruled out. The Mainz right-back enjoyed a solid 2025/26 Bundesliga season, making 27 appearances across 1,819 minutes and contributing two goals and one assist for his club, and brings valuable experience and an attacking threat from full-back that Switzerland will hope to utilize in what is a decisive fixture. His ability to combine defensive reliability with forward runs and crossing output makes him a key option for coach Murat Yakin as the Swiss look to qualify for the round of 16.

JULY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Silvan Widmer - Back in training after hip concern Widmer (hip) returned to team training on Tuesday after missing Monday's session, according to bluewin.

Impact Widmer bounced back quickly from the hip issue, rejoining the team session on Tuesday and putting himself in direct competition with Dennis Zakaria for the right back berth against Algeria, with Luca Jaquez's availability for the clash remaining uncertain.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Nadiem Amiri - Scores in penalty shootout Amiri recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 1-1 (5-4) penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay.

Impact Amiri entered the field for the final 10 minutes of extra time Monday, featuring for only the second time all tournament. He would see an important moment in the penalty shootout, as he stepped up as their fifth penalty shooter to keep them alive, and successfully did so before their eventual loss. The midfielder only played 40 minutes all tournament, notching one assist on a chance created to go along with two shots and two crosses.

JUNE 29 • ROTOWIRE

Kaishu Sano - Scores in loss to Brazil Sano scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Monday's 2-1 defeat to Brazil. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 12th minute.

Impact Sano broke the deadlock for Japan midway through the first half with a shot from outside the box that sneaked past Alisson's reach. However, the defensive midfielder looked overmatched by the creativity of the Brazilian playmakers in the second half. Sano, primarily a holding midfielder, finished the World Cup with one goal, one assist, four interceptions, three tackles and two clearances in three starts.

JUNE 29 • ROTOWIRE

Silvan Widmer - Suffering from hip injury Widmer was not in training Sunday due to a hip injury ahead of Thursday's match against Algeria, according to Lucas Werder of Blick Sports.

Impact Widmer is bringing some concerns to the Swiss team ahead of their round of 32 game, as he was unable to train due to a hip injury. This will be something to watch for the team, as he did start in one game and has appeared in their last two, a useful option at right-back. That said, if he were to miss time, expect Luca Jaquez or Denis Zakaria to start on the right.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Limited impact defensively Posch recorded one cross (zero accurate) and three clearances in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Algeria.

Impact Posch didn't have much impact in a game where Austria conceded three goals, as he offered little going forward and posted average numbers defensively. Posch could remain at right-back to face Spain in the Round of 32 on Thursday, but he's not likely to carry a ton of fantasy upside in a game where Austria are expected to be massive underdogs.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Phillipp Mwene - Sends three crosses in draw Mwene recorded one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Algeria.

Impact Mwene started on the left side of the Austrian defense and was a constant attacking threat, completing three crosses, but he also struggled defensively against Riyad Mahrez, who scored two goals. Mwene has started in two of Austria's three matches so far, but with Spain coming up next in the Round of 32, he could return to the bench in favor of Konrad Laimer, who would move from AMR to LB while adding another defensive-minded presence in midfield.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Starts on Monday Posch had two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 2-0 defeat against Argentina. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 40th minute.

Impact Posch covered over seven kilometers and also recorded a clearance. He was frequently forced into 2v1 and 3v1 battles as Argentina exploited the right side. He committed a penalty in the seventh minute following a 3v1 situation. Lionel Messi's opener in the 38th minute also came from a build up from the right side.

JUNE 23 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Gets start against Argentina Posch (jaw) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Argentina.

Impact Posch overcame the fractured jaw sustained against Jordan to earn a starting role, with the custom-made protective mask providing sufficient protection for Austria's medical staff to clear him for the demanding fixture against Argentina. His increased involvement in training had been flagged as an encouraging development, and his ability to push through such a significant injury to earn a starting role is a remarkable show of determination at a critical stage of Austria's World Cup campaign.

JUNE 22 • ROTOWIRE

Kaishu Sano - Assist Saturday Sano recorded one assist on a chance created and one cross in Saturday's 4-0 win over Tunisia.

Impact Sano would once again play the full 90 for Japan as they defeated Tunisia, his second straight game playing the full 90. However, he would walk away with an assist this time, finding Ayase Ueda in the 83rd minute for the final goal of the match. He would also complete 71 passes, third-best on the team Saturday.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Trains with protective mask Posch (jaw) has been training with the specially designed protective mask made for him and could be available for the clash against Argentina, according to the federation.

Impact Posch's increased involvement in training is an encouraging development following the fractured jaw he sustained against Jordan, with the custom-made mask providing the protection needed for him to work with his teammates. Austria's medical staff will continue to assess his readiness before making a final decision on his availability, but his progression in training is a positive sign heading into what promises to be a demanding fixture. Konrad Laimer and Alexander Prass remain on standby at right-back should Posch ultimately be unable to feature.

JUNE 21 • ROTOWIRE

Nadiem Amiri - Assists as substitute Saturday Amiri assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 win against Cote D'ivoire.

Impact Amiri made an immediate impact as he took Aleksandar Pavlovic's place in the 60th minute and delivered a ball into the box that led to the equalizer in the 68th of the game. The Mainz midfielder has been limited to a backup role so far, but the assist could boost his chances of competing for a starting spot in future clashes. In that case, he can hold all-around potential if his team continues to dominate against weaker opposition, although he lacks a solid fantasy floor as he's not an undisputed starter and rarely takes set pieces at the international level.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Trains partially with team Posch (jaw) took part in a portion of Austria's training session at Harder Stadium with a special brace made for him in Los Angeles, though it remains unclear whether he will be ab...

Impact Posch's involvement in training, even in a limited capacity, is an encouraging sign following the fractured jaw he sustained against Jordan, though Austria's medical staff will need more time to determine his readiness for the next group stage clash. Konrad Laimer and Alexander Prass remain on standby at right-back should Posch be unable to feature against Argentina.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Silvan Widmer - Little impact but active in attack Widmer had four crosses (one accurate) and four clearances in Thursday's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact Widmer came into the side at right back at the expense of Denis Zakaria after starting the opening game on the bench. He had the fewest touches of any Swiss defender and completed just 20 passes as Switzerland's attacking play was channeled more through Ricardo Rodriguez and Dan Ndoye on the opposite flank. However he was far from inactive, making several runs into dangerous areas and getting into the opposition box on multiple occasions, though he was unable to turn that into a shot or a chance created.

JUNE 19 • ROTOWIRE

Lee Jae-sung - Logs 57 minutes, wins three tackles Lee logged four tackles (three won) across 57 minutes during South Korea's 1-0 loss Thursday at Mexico.

Impact Up until Lee's 57th-minute substitution, South Korea struggled to generate any offense, which indicates why his best production is from defense. It was great nonetheless, as even with his limited time, he logged Korea's most tackles won. But when it comes to an attacking substitution, which was also done against the Czech Republic, Lee is Korea's odd man out, even over a struggling Heung-Min Son. Once again, he was replaced by Hwang Hee-Chan, this time against Mexico. Unless the aforementioned Lee impacts early, his upside will be limited by being Korea's first departing attacker.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Avoids surgery for jaw fracture Posch (jaw) has been confirmed with a fractured jaw following a CT scan after the injury sustained during the opening group stage victory over Jordan, with surgery not currently de...

Impact Posch's diagnosis is more encouraging than initially feared after coach Ralf Rangnick had suggested a broken jaw could rule him out for the remainder of the tournament, and the absence of a surgical requirement gives Austria hope that their right-back could return sooner than expected. A specially designed mouthguard is being manufactured to support the healing process, leaving open the possibility of him featuring in the next group stage clash against Argentina. His availability for that fixture will depend on how quickly the mouthguard can be produced and how he responds to wearing it in training, with Konrad Laimer and Alexander Prass remaining on standby should he be unable to feature.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Could miss rest of World Cup Posch (face) sustained a facial injury during a duel in the closing stages of Austria's opening 3-1 victory over Jordan and could miss the remainder of the World Cup, according to...

Impact Posch is set to undergo an X-ray on Wednesday to determine the exact nature and severity of the injury, with the results set to be decisive in establishing his availability for the remainder of the competition. The right-back's potential absence would be a significant blow for Austria heading into their next group stage clash against Argentina, with Konrad Laimer and Alexander Prass among the options to cover his position should he be unable to continue. The coaching staff will wait for the medical assessment before making any decisions on his involvement going forward.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Mwene - Three crosses across 59 minutes Mwene logged three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created during Tuesday's 3-1 win against Jordan.

Impact Austria's starting formation included four defenders, including Mwene at left-back. Among his three crosses, the majority of them were during a one-minute span, when he was most impactful Tuesday. Even though the left flank is where Austria's team spent most of its offense, proven playmaker Marcel Sabitzer also being stationed there means Mwene may be unable to maximize his chance-creating opportunities. With the game level 1-1 just before an hour, Austria manager Ralf Rangnick opted to undergo a triple substitution, which included Paul Wanner replacing Mwene.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Stefan Posch - Hectic night against Jordan Posch logged two shots (zero on goal), four clearances and three interceptions during Tuesday's 3-1 win against Jordan.

Impact Pushing for a starter role before the World Cup, Posch earned what he wanted, though not at center-back. The defender started at right-back, a role he held for Como but not with Mainz earlier this season. Posch suffered much growing pains offensively, with wild shots, an incidental case of head-to-head contact and a disallowed goal defining his effort. Nonetheless, he mostly made his opportunity work defensively. Against the Jordan team, Posch is Austria's only player to have logged both four-plus clearances and more than two interceptions.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Silas Katompa Mvumpa - Signs contract extension with Mainz Silas signed a contract extension with Mainz after the club chose not to activate an existing clause following his injury, opting instead to find a more mutually beneficial arrange...

Impact Silas suffered a double fracture of the tibia and fibula during the Conference League round of 16 first leg against Sigma Olomouc in early March, bringing a premature end to what had been an impressive campaign up to that point. The Congolese forward had contributed one goal across eight Bundesliga appearances before the injury struck, with sporting director Niko Bungert describing his performances as excellent prior to the setback.

JUNE 16 • ROTOWIRE

Kaishu Sano - Goes full 90 minutes Sano had two tackles (one won) and one interception in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Netherlands.

Impact Sano was one of the few midfielders to play the full 90 minutes on Sunday, finishing with two tackles, four recoveries, and one interception against the Netherlands. Offensively, he showed some promise with an 81 percent pass accuracy, though he offered little impact in the final third. His strength is typically in the physical side of the game as he averaged around a 93 percent aerial duel success rate with Mainz this season. He wasn't able to replicate that Sunday, winning just one of five attempts. Overall, his value remains tied to defensive volume rather than attacking output for Japan.

JUNE 14 • ROTOWIRE

Fabio Gruber - Signs for Mainz Gruber has joined Mainz from Nurnberg, with the 23-year-old Peruvian international center-back making the step up to the Bundesliga after an impressive spell in the second division...

Impact Gruber made 41 second division appearances for Nurnberg since January 2025 including 38 full 90-minute outings, serving as club captain and demonstrating the leadership qualities that have defined his career at each club he has represented, having also worn the armband at third-division side SC Verl. Sporting director Niko Bungert praised his physicality, technical quality and top character, describing him as a young defender with impressive leadership credentials despite his age. Gruber expressed his excitement at the prospect of playing in the Bundesliga for the first time, highlighting his positive early conversations with coach Urs Fischer as a key factor in his decision to join Mainz.

JUNE 12 • ROTOWIRE

Lee Jae-sung - Three chances created in 62 minutes Lee logged two shots (one on goal) and three chances created in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.

Impact Alongside fellow attacker Lee Kang-in, Lee is among only two players who created more than that many chances for Korea Republic. Not long after an hour, he was replaced by Hwang Hee-Chan. The team's recent history has always included either uncertainty on how to operate or a position logjam up front, with Lee having been one to sacrifice for the likes of Hwang, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-Min. For now, this World Cup looks no different, a continued course of action that would cap Lee's statistical upside. Either way, Lee will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 World Cup that saw him lacking any threat in front of goal across three appearances.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

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