Inside Germany: Getting ready for the World Cup and the foreigners choosing to leave

Germany gets ready for the 2026 World Cup

Take a trip to any supermarket or shop in Germany right now and you've probably noticed the obligatory black, red and gold stands selling all manner of trinkets dedicated to the national football team. 

If you haven't guessed it, Germany is off to the 2026 men's World Cup. Running from June 11th to July 19th, games will take place in 16 cities across the host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.

As Germany is a certified football-crazy country, fans will no doubt be tuning in to watch the 'Schland hopefully march into the final. 

It wouldn't be the first time that the team has scaled those dizzying heights. Back in 1954, 1974 and 1990, West Germany emerged as champions on the world football stage. 

And in 2014, Die Nationalmannschaft put on a wonderful show to beat Argentina in the final played in Rio de Janeiro.

But another thing you have probably noticed is that the atmosphere is slightly flat this year.

Those of you who have spent time in Germany may recall how seriously football tournaments are taken here, with public viewings on almost every street.

In Berlin, Spätis and restaurants haul out old television sets and chairs to create DIY stadiums. People mingle with strangers, chatting about Fußball over a bottle of Pils and Currywurst. 

Who could forget in 2024 when Germany hosted the Euros, bringing groups of fans together (and famously making friends with the some 200,000 Scots who arrived for the event)? 

It was always going to be pretty hard to beat that atmosphere. This year, one of the problems is the timing of matches, with many games scheduled for late in the evening or the early hours. 

Geopolitical tensions also have to be acknowledged. Many fans have chosen not to travel to the USA amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown and the general political tension. 

And that's not to mention the costs. Travelling to North America right now is out of reach for many, especially as the cost of flight tickets goes up . 

Aside from all of this, let's hope fans get to focus on what's happening on the pitch. Germany's first match is on June 14th against Curaçao, and you can catch it from 7pm on ARD.

All that's left to say is: Auf geht's Deutschland! (let's go Germany!)

READ ALSO: 

• How to watch the 2026 men's football World Cup in Germany
• German cities opt-out of football fan zones for 2026 World Cup

Where is this?

Several states in Germany enjoyed a public holiday on Thursday for Fronleichnam or Corpus Christi. But do you know how the day is marked?

In some places Corpus Christi is celebrated with a special Mass followed by a Eucharistic procession (Fronleichnamsprozession).

These processions see clergy and parishioners walk through towns and villages, often accompanied by music, singing and decorated streets.

This photo, taken in Wackersberg, Bavaria on June 4th, shows locals wearing traditional costume carrying a statue of a saint through the town.

Why are foreign residents in Germany choosing to leave?

This week The Local reported that Germany has seen a historic number of naturalisations. Around 332,500 people became German in 2025, the highest number since records began 25 years ago. 

But another trend is emerging at the same time: some foreigners are deciding to upsticks and leave Germany. 

The reasons behind that vary, as Lana O'Sullivan reported in one of our most well-read features recently. 

Some people said they were unhappy with the German government, some said it was due to financial reasons, particularly around owning a small business, and others cited cultural differences – such as negativity or a lack of friendliness.

Others again pointed to Germany's move to the right, with support for the anti-immigration AfD increasing.

READ MORE: 'Tired of being an immigrant' - why foreigners are leaving Germany in 2026