A bright Saturday morning in Winston‑Salem turned into a football fan’s dream as the German Men’s National Soccer Team opened its training session to the public at Spry Stadium on the Wake Forest campus. Hundreds of local supporters lined the sidelines, waving flags and chanting familiar chants, creating a vibrant backdrop for the squad’s pre‑World Cup preparations.
A Message of Gratitude
German Football Federation President Fritz Keller took the microphone to thank the Winston‑Salem community for its hospitality, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming tournament and the role of fan engagement in building cross‑continental connections.
Among the attendees was Daniel Sellner, a Wake Forest alumnus who described the experience as “a once‑in‑a‑lifetime glimpse of world‑class talent right on our doorstep.” His excitement reflected a broader surge of interest in the team’s upcoming fixtures.
Families also turned out in force. Leann Hacket and her relatives expressed how rare it was to witness a global powerhouse train on home soil, while Lars Helmle, a German‑born resident, highlighted the personal resonance of seeing his homeland’s squad in the United States.
The timing of the session coincides with the broader schedule of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across three North American host nations. Germany’s opening match is slated for Sunday in Houston against Curaçao, a fixture that promises to test the team’s readiness after a week of intensive preparation.
The open training not only showcased tactical drills but also reinforced the growing bond between European football powerhouses and the enthusiastic North American fan base, setting a lively tone for the tournament’s early stages.