A rare glimpse of Die Mannschaft in the U.S.
The German Men’s National Soccer Team held an open training session on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, drawing a crowd of several hundred spectators to Spry Stadium. The event, part of the team’s pre‑tournament preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offered fans an uncommon chance to see the squad work on the pitch on American soil.
University coaches delivered brief remarks before the session, praising the team’s discipline and tactical flexibility. The president of the German Football Federation took the opportunity to thank the local community for its hospitality, emphasizing the growing global interest in the sport and the importance of building connections ahead of the tournament.
Among the attendees were Wake Forest alumnus Daniel Sellner, Leann Hacket and her family, as well as Lars Helmle, a German‑born enthusiast who highlighted the symbolic value of the team’s presence. Their excitement underscored the significance of the moment for both longtime supporters and newcomers to international soccer.
The 2026 World Cup will be staged across three North American host nations from June 11 to July 19. Germany’s first match is scheduled for Sunday in Houston, Texas, where they will face Curaçao in what promises to be a tightly contested opener.
Beyond the immediate spectacle, the training session served as a bridge between European football traditions and the expanding fan base in the United States. It also provided a platform for local institutions, including Wake Forest University, to showcase their role in fostering international sports collaboration.