 Konopka's career for West Germany was a brief one, lasting for only two matches, but earned him a participation in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.Making the squad as one of two uncapped players (the other one was Gerd Zewe), Konopka came to action as a substitute for his injured 1.FC Köln team-mate Herbert Zimmermann in the goalless draw against Italy at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti.