World Cup 2026: Can Germany’s football team save the government? | Berlin Briefing Podcast

Описание: As the World Cup kicks off, football turns political. With Donald Trump, visa controversies, and a struggling government back home, one question stands out: can the “Mannschaft” lift Germany’s mood — and can politicians benefit from it?

In this episode of Berlin Briefing, host Max Hofmann discusses with DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, sports and politics expert Florian Bauer, and DW sports reporter Jonathan Harding whether this is the most political World Cup yet — and whether success on the pitch can translate into a boost for Berlin.

00:00 Intro
01:22 How political is the World Cup?
05:03 Politicians & the Mannschaft
06:04 How strong is Germany?
07:39 Can players stay neutral?
10:24 Merkel and Merz
13:06 Does football help politicians?
17:33 Germany’s mood problem
19:48 Why this feels different
23:52 Government under pressure
26:20 Can football change politics?
31:23 What if Germany loses?
35:15 Predictions
36:70 End

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