There are a lot of expectations before the first match of the World Cup

Germany are set to play their first World Cup match against Curaçao on Sunday, pitting the four-time champions against a team playing for the first time in the tournament.

With Germany in need of some optimism amid many frustrating challenges, could the national team’s success bring some relief – and even boost the popularity of its beleaguered government?

This video from DW explores the relationship between politics and sports:

have a nice day From the DW newsroom on the banks of the Rhine in Bonn.

Join us for our coverage as excitement builds ahead of Germany’s first appearance at this year’s World Cup, despite the tight race of the tournament.

We will also look at government figures showing a rise in crime against homeless people.

And French-German defense cooperation seems at risk in the face of financial and administrative challenges.

You can read about these and other stories in this blog from June 13, 2026.