German players have appealed not to repeat their protests in 2026 after a player covered his mouth in a pre-match photo at the Qatar World Cup.
Published May 28, 2026
Germany’s sporting director Rudi Völler has called on members of the 2026 World Cup squad to avoid political commentary during this summer’s tournament.
Speaking from Germany’s pre-World Cup camp in northern Bavaria, Ferrer said players were not under a gag order but were encouraged to keep sport and politics “somewhat separate” during the final.
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Ferrer said that unlike the preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there will be no specialized media training in the United States, Canada or Mexico ahead of the tournament.
“If someone wants to do that, they’re welcome to do it leading up to the tournament,” Ferrer said Wednesday of players’ political comments.
“But if it hasn’t happened up until this point, it usually shouldn’t start happening now.”
The 66-year-old hopeful had hoped Germany would learn from their experience in Qatar four years ago. Team build-up for the tournament was dominated by discussions about banning political symbols.
In Qatar, German players covered their mouths in a pre-match photo before the tournament’s opening match against Japan to protest FIFA’s threat to sanction players who wore “One Love” armbands. Some commentators suggested that it contributed to his poor performance in the tournament.
“All the players are fully aware of the situation. After all, quite a few of the current team members were also part of the team that went to Qatar,” said coach Ferrer.
“Naturally, what happened before, where[players and officials]launch various campaigns right before games, give interviews and report critically on certain issues, will not be repeated.”
Mr. Ferrer said he would leave reporting on political issues to the media.
“You (media) are free to do that. We have not imposed any gag orders.”
The former Germany striker, who won the 1990 World Cup, said he felt players taking political positions had little impact, citing the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics by the United States and other countries as an example.
“We are here to play in the World Cup, that is the priority. We are football players and our goal is to inspire people and perhaps distract them from everyday worries,” Ferrer said.
“For now I would advise you to just look forward to the World Cup. Despite all the unpleasant circumstances surrounding it, we still need to play good, attractive football and strive to inspire our fans.”
“Even during the 1980s Olympics, when Americans decided not to participate in the Olympics along with Western nations, I felt even then that it was the wrong decision.”
Germany will face Finland in Mainz on Sunday in their last friendly before the tournament on home soil.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann says injured veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not be able to play this weekend but will play in the World Cup.
