A packed train to Stuttgart is full of Germany shirts and World Cup talk as supporters head to the national team’s last match before preparations for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico begin. For some fans the trip is routine: they follow the team wherever it plays and already have group-game tickets and itineraries planned.
Dennis, 40, says he has followed the national side since 2015 and rarely misses a match. His friend Kai became a regular supporter during Euro 2024. For both, wearing the crest and singing the anthem is part of being fans, and they want politics kept out of sport. “Politics should stay out of sport,” Dennis says, adding that sport should build bridges rather than be exploited.
But not all fans feel that way. Political tensions surrounding the US and its president have unsettled some parts of Germany’s football community and raised questions about whether politics will overshadow the tournament.
Former Germany coach Joachim Löw urged caution about travelling to North America, drawing comparisons with debates over boycotts in previous tournaments. Speaking at an event in Cologne, Löw cited recent US actions toward Iran and described the country as “actively at war,” warning that operations by immigration authorities such as ICE and other geopolitical conflicts were creating unrest and uncertainty that could cast a shadow over the World Cup.
Criticism has come from politicians as well. Green Party politician and human rights campaigner Boris Mijatovic told DW he is uneasy about FIFA partnering with US President Donald Trump. He warned that potential measures to collect personal data — including emails, phones, computers and social media accounts — would infringe personal freedoms and make travel less appealing. Mijatovic also pointed to politically awkward moments, such as suggestions that FIFA President Gianni Infantino might present a FIFA Peace Prize to the president during the World Cup draw, and criticised German officials for a lack of vocal opposition to FIFA’s decisions.
Human rights groups have also highlighted risks. Amnesty International has warned about human rights concerns in the host countries, urging attention to freedoms and protections for visitors and residents alike.
Among fans, views vary. Bengt Kunkel, who helped create atmosphere at Germany matches during Euro 2024, says he will watch the World Cup from home rather than travel to the US. He criticises what he sees as Trump trying to associate himself with the tournament, restrictions on press freedom and expression, and FIFA’s perceived political compromises. Cost is another factor for Kunkel; he and his group estimated spending between €5,000 and €8,000 just for the group stage, a sum he calls unfriendly to fans.
Proposed stricter entry checks have added to unease. Kunkel objects to screening travellers’ social media for anti‑Trump posts, saying such measures undermine the idea of inviting the world to a football festival.
Yet he recognises why others will go. Kunkel does not support a boycott, arguing supporters can still back their team despite misgivings and should try to enjoy the tournament.
Dennis and Kai describe the 2026 World Cup as “not a fan‑friendly World Cup,” but they trust the US to provide safety and expect a great football spectacle. Their priority is straightforward: they want Germany to win, and they believe partisan support in the stands can help the team succeed.
As the tournament approaches, many supporters are weighing values against passion. Some will travel despite concerns; others will stay home in protest or because of cost and security worries. The split among Germany’s fans reflects wider questions about where sport ends and politics begin — and whether international football can remain a space for celebration amid geopolitical tensions.
This article was originally published in German.