World Cup 2026 opening sees German Chancellor absent as France fields record-valued attack

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on 14 June with Germany defeating Curaçao 7‑1. Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not attend the match, saying he would consider travelling only if Germany reaches the final in New York. Vice‑Chancellor Lars Klingbeil will join the delegation only if the team reaches the quarter‑finals, while Sports Minister Christiane Schenderlein is present. Media outlets cite the tense political climate under U.S. President Donald Trump as a factor. Analysts note that Merz’s absence missed an opportunity to boost his low approval ratings.

France entered the tournament with an unusually expensive attacking line‑up, nine forwards valued at roughly $980 million – the highest market value for a World Cup attack ever. The group includes Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, €180 million), Michael Olise (Bayern München, €150 million), Désiré Doué (Paris‑Saint‑Germain, €120 million), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris‑Saint‑Germain, €100 million) and Rayan Cherki (Manchester City, €90 million). Despite the talent, coach Didier Deschamps has been criticised for a cautious approach; he once remarked, “Wenn Sie gelangweilt sind, können Sie etwas anderes ansehen.” France has already scored 31 goals in recent fixtures and is aiming for individual scoring records.