FIFA World Cup 2026: Political Climate Concerns for German Fans

German football supporters are divided on attending the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The train heading to Stuttgart, a German city, is nearly packed. At every station, fans in Germany jerseys board, creating a lively atmosphere of discussion about the national team and the upcoming global event.

On one of the last days of March, Germany faces Ghana in the final international break before World Cup preparations kick off. Many fans have already begun their journey, including Dennis and Kai, two friends from northern Germany. They donned their kits and boarded the train early, eager to support the team in person that evening in Stuttgart.

“Wearing the eagle on your chest and singing the national anthem is something special,” Dennis told DW. “You always meet up with other fans, travel to tournaments — it always gives you goosebumps.”

The pair are known as regulars, fans who consistently accompany the team to every match, regardless of location. Their anticipation for the tournament is evident, with both having secured tickets for Germany’s group games and meticulously planned their trip. Despite the political climate in the U.S. not discouraging their enthusiasm, they remain wary of the implications.

Former coach Joachim Löw has raised concerns about traveling to North America, referencing past debates before the 2018 Russia tournament and calls for a boycott ahead of the 2022 Qatar event. He warned that participating in a country engaged in active warfare poses additional risks. The U.S. president’s policies, including the war with Iran declared in late February, and operations by immigration agency ICE have intensified these anxieties.

Löw stated that the political situation is “entirely eclipsing the tournament’s spirit.” Meanwhile, Boris Mijatovic, a Green Party member and human rights activist, criticized the U.S. policies, highlighting data collection practices that infringe on personal freedoms.

“What FIFA is organizing there together with Donald Trump is not something that makes my heart beat faster,” Mijatovic told DW. “The disclosure of personal data, such as email addresses, mobile phones, computers or social media accounts, should not be ignored. These are all infringements on personal freedom that I would not tolerate.”

Mijatovic also fears further “bizarre moments of vicarious embarrassment,” such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting the newly created FIFA Peace Prize to Trump during the World Cup draw. “I find it utterly grotesque the way one has to pay homage to this president to win his favor,” he added. “This applies just as much to Gianni Infantino as it does to [German] Chancellor Friedrich Merz.”

Despite these concerns, not all German fans are deterred. Bengt Kunkel, who has worked to create a vibrant atmosphere at Germany games for years, will watch the tournament from home. “I take a very different approach this year,” he said, expressing his decision to stay in the country amid the ongoing political discourse.