The train to Stuttgart is crowded with supporters in Germany shirts, buzzing about the national team and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. On a late March evening, Germany play Ghana in the last international match before World Cup preparations begin. Two friends from northern Germany, Dennis and Kai, boarded early in their kits to watch the game in person.
Dennis, 40, has followed the national team since 2015 and has rarely missed a match. Kai became a regular supporter during Euro 2024. For both, wearing the national crest and singing the anthem is special, and they see themselves as regulars who follow the team wherever it plays.
The World Cup is already marked in their calendars. Both have bought tickets for Germany’s group games and planned an itinerary. The current political climate in the US has not put them off: “Politics should stay out of sport,” Dennis said, adding that sport should build bridges, not be exploited by politics.
But not everyone feels as relaxed. Former Germany coach Joachim Löw recently warned against traveling to North America. At an event in Cologne, Löw compared debates about boycotts for Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 to the present and expressed concern about playing in a country he described as “actively at war” following US actions toward Iran in late February. He said operations by immigration agency ICE and other geopolitical conflicts are causing unrest and uncertainty, and that the political situation is overshadowing the tournament.
Political criticism has come from other quarters too. Green Party politician and human rights campaigner Boris Mijatovic told DW he is uneasy about FIFA teaming up with US President Donald Trump. He warned about disclosures of personal data — email addresses, phones, computers and social media accounts — calling such measures infringements on personal freedom that should not be rewarded with visits. Mijatovic also pointed to what he called politically embarrassing moments, such as the idea of FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting a FIFA Peace Prize to Trump during the World Cup draw, and he criticized German officials for lacking courage to speak out against FIFA.
Amnesty International has also flagged human rights risks in the World Cup host countries, including the US.
Among fans, opinions diverge. Bengt Kunkel, who helped create atmosphere at Germany matches during Euro 2024, says he will watch this World Cup from home rather than travel to the US. He is critical of Trump trying to make the tournament his own, restrictions on press freedom and expression, and FIFA’s perceived political pandering. Kunkel also cites cost: he and his group estimated spending between €5,000 and €8,000 for the group stage alone, a price he calls unfriendly to fans.
Stricter entry requirements are another worry. Kunkel objected to proposals to check social media activity of people entering the US to see if they had posted against Trump, saying that undermines the idea of inviting the world to celebrate a football festival.
Still, Kunkel understands those who decide to go and does not believe a boycott is the answer. He says it should be possible to support the national team despite misgivings, urging fans to make the best of it and enjoy the tournament.
Dennis and Kai acknowledge this is “not a fan-friendly World Cup,” but they trust the US to ensure safety and expect a great football festival. Their hope is simple: they want Germany to become world champions, and they believe fans’ support can help the team go far.
This article was originally published in German.