German Chancellor Merz Encourages DFB Team as 2026 World Cup Begins Amidst Broad Discussions

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, marked by a record number of red cards and intense protests around the venue in Mexico City. As the tournament unfolds across Mexico, the USA, and Canada, Germany's national team (DFB-Auswahl) finds itself in a focused yet cautious atmosphere. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz personally reached out to the national squad via video call, wishing them success and boosting morale ahead of their initial match against Curaçao.

Germany is currently in active discussions regarding the prize money for a potential World Cup triumph, which could considerably enhance players' earnings. Despite the global excitement, German fan enthusiasm appears somewhat muted, reflecting tempered expectations for the team’s performance in the expanded 48-team tournament format.

On the format itself, renowned Freiburg coach Christian Streich expressed strong support. He highlighted the benefits for smaller football associations such as Curaçao, emphasizing FIFA's financial injections that aid these nations. Streich critiqued the opposition to the XXL format as a reflection of a "dominance mindset of the powerful." He condemned figures like Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino for their "lack of decency," while also speaking out against the "perverse" and "elitist" ticket prices, which he believes restrict fan accessibility.

Despite these criticisms, Streich concluded on an optimistic note about football’s unifying power, stating, "Who does the game belong to? Everyone! And I am one of them."

As Germany prepares for their matches within this broader, more inclusive World Cup structure, the national team and German supporters alike are navigating a mix of optimism, critique, and elevated expectations amid unprecedented global interest and complex tournament dynamics.