Germany's Perspective on the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been underway for nearly two weeks, and public opinion in Germany is shaping up to be quite positive. A representative survey commissioned by BILD and conducted by Insa, which included 1,001 respondents, has yielded some surprising results. Despite initial criticisms regarding the tournament's expansion, a significant majority of participants, 52%, expressed their support for the inclusion of 48 teams. This indicates a shift in sentiment as fans embrace the larger format of the tournament. In addition to the expansion, the introduction of drink breaks has also been well-received. Although these breaks have been met with mixed reactions in stadiums, with some fans expressing their discontent through whistles, 54% of those surveyed believe that the breaks are beneficial. This suggests that the health and hydration of players during intense matches is a priority for many supporters. The survey also highlighted the popularity of television experts among fans. Bastian Schweinsteiger, the 2014 World Cup champion, emerged as the favorite expert, with 17% of respondents favoring him. Following closely are Thomas Müller with 14% and Jürgen Klopp with 13%. This indicates a strong connection between fans and these figures, who provide insights and commentary during the matches. As the tournament progresses, the sentiment among fans regarding their national team remains strong. Should Germany exit the tournament, 21% of fans indicated they would support no one else, while others expressed interest in teams like England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. This reflects a deep-rooted loyalty to the German team, showcasing the passionate nature of football culture in the country.