The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico raises not only sports-related questions but also political ones. Andreas Rettig, Director of the DFB, stated in an interview with Deutsche Welle that excitement for the tournament is high, despite his concerns regarding the expansion to 48 teams. “The goal is clear: We want to be among the top five nations in the world,” said Rettig.
Rettig also expressed worries about the high ticket prices and the political tensions accompanying the tournament. In particular, geopolitical conflicts, such as the war between the USA and World Cup participant Iran, as well as strict entry regulations for some nations, are causing unrest among fans. “We live in a time where we encounter many irrational things that have nothing to do with football,” Rettig remarked.
The DFB has learned from the experiences of the last World Cup in Qatar, where political protests and the discussion surrounding the ‘One Love’ armband attracted significant attention. Rettig emphasized that the team is better prepared this time to balance sporting performance and political issues.
Thus, the upcoming World Cup will not only be a sporting event but also a test of the values and stance of the DFB in a complex political landscape.
