Andreas Rettig, Director of Football at the German Football Association (DFB), has voiced concerns over the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. In an interview with DW, he admitted that while he is not a fan of the expanded 48-team format, anticipation is high as Germany enters a decisive preparation phase.

After two consecutive group-stage exits, Germany’s goal for 2026 is clear: to rank among the top five nations. “If we perform better than our current FIFA World Ranking (ninth), that would be a success,” Rettig stated.

However, the tournament is overshadowed by non-football issues: inflated ticket prices, entry bans for five participating nations, high transportation costs, and geopolitical tensions in the host nation, the US. “We live in a time when we are confronted every day with things that leave me at a loss,” Rettig said, criticizing the “irrational” developments.

The DFB has learned from Qatar, where the ‘One Love’ armband controversy and team photo protests sparked major debates. This time, the team should focus primarily on sport. “Issues like that don’t belong in the locker room,” Rettig explained, though he stressed players remain free to express their opinions.

Former goalkeeper Almuth Schult criticized the DFB for lacking assertiveness, praising Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness as the only official to take a clear stand. Klaveness had strongly condemned FIFA’s Peace Prize award to Donald Trump, calling it illegitimate.

Rettig expressed discomfort with the close ties between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump. “Of course, you can’t separate sports and politics,” he said. “Who would have thought we would develop such a critical stance toward Country A or B?”

Source: www.dw.com