The passionate road to the title
Four titles, decades of unforgettable moments – Germany can boast a unique World Cup history. And Lufthansa has always been there, since 2005. But every journey has its own story, and in 2026 we’ll be writing the next one.
With its group stage matches against Curaçao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador, the German team is embarking on a new adventure. And no matter how long the road to the title may be, our connectedness is stronger than any distance – on the pitch, in the stands, and on the streets of this world. We’re not just flying a team. We’re flying a community and a passion.
Thomas Müller and the fans – united for the German team
Somewhere in the skies, en route from Frankfurt to North America for the World Cup, something unexpected happens: the on-board screens turn on – and suddenly soccer legend Thomas Müller appears. Not just as a former team captain, but as one of us. Then come fans from all over Germany, young, old, passionate. Each with a message, each as a part of the team. Because the players aren’t flying alone – the whole of Germany is flying with them.
Win a Lufthansa fan outfit now and wear the team colors
Team Yes means everyone’s a member! We’re sharing this team spirit and giving away exclusive Lufthansa fan outfits so you can support the German team in style during the tournament. Take part now before June 8! All you have to do is answer our question.
You can win:
1 x 1 exclusive tracksuit from the Lufthansa First Class Collection
20 x 1 popular Lufthansa fan jerseys
In Lufthansa First Class, Exclusive Design Meets Ultimate Comfort
For the third time, Lufthansa is presenting a First Class collectible. Following its loungewear collaborations with artists Sho Shibuya and Stefan Marx, this time the airline has teamed up with the German Football Association (DFB) and adidas to create a garment that combines comfort with eye-catching style. Learn more about a statement piece that money can't buy.
Curaçao
Sunday June 14, 2026, in Houston
An underdog on the world stage: Curaçao is making history – as the smallest country ever to have qualified for this tournament. Its first opponent on June 14 at Houston Stadium in Houston will be Germany.
Fun fact: This island nation belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. European tactics meet Caribbean passion: The Curaçaoans cheer for their own team – and for Oranje. And since it’s a small island, fans and players sometimes even know each other personally. With their striking royal blue jerseys, electrifying tumba beats, and an enthusiasm that’s simply infectious, “La Ola Azul” – the Blue Wave – is coming. And it’s dancing!
Ivory Coast
Saturday June 20, 2026, in Toronto
Whenever the “Elephants” take to the pitch, the stadium erupts. Germany’s second opponent on June 20 at Toronto Stadium is Ivory Coast, the three-time African champions and one of the continent’s most passionate soccer nations.
Neon orange wigs, elephant masks, coupé-décalé rhythms, and booming drums: Ivorian fans turn their national team’s every match into an experience. In the “maquis,” the country’s traditional open-air restaurants, everyone eats and celebrates together – and when the team wins, the streets turn into dance floors. Les Éléphants already put in a strong performance against Germany back in 2009, when the two nations drew 2 : 2 in their only meeting to date. Now they’re back. And they’re better than ever.
Ecuador
Thursday June 25, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey
¡Sí se puede! Yes, we can! During Ecuador’s matches, this battle cry can be heard from the Pacific Ocean to the Andes. You can’t miss the fans as they wear Panama hats made of toquilla straw as a symbol of their heritage.
And La Tri? They play all their home games in Quito which lies over 2,800 meters above sea level. The team is known for its explosive pace and physical style of play, which is mainly due to the fact that the players grew up living at high altitudes.
In 2022, they became the first team ever to defeat the host nation in a World Cup opening match, and this time they even qualified ahead of record World Cup champions Brazil. So the Tricolor team is ready for Germany when they meet their third opponent on June 25 at the at the New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.
Kick-off above the clouds
You’re in the air but don’t want to miss any of the World Cup matches? With our live ticker from FlyNet® you can experience every goal live on board on your smartphone or tablet – and always stay on the ball.
A strong partnership: Lufthansa and DFB
The partnership between the German Football Association (DFB) and Lufthansa, the official airline of the German men’s national team, has existed for over two decades. The famous winning plane from 2014 and the “Diversity Wins” slogan on the plane for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar remain unforgettable. Join us during this year’s tournament as we look back on this collaboration and its many shared highlights.
Travel inspiration for the host cities
For the USA, Canada, Mexico, and their major cities the World Cup is the biggest sporting event of this summer. When planning your trip let our Lufthansa Insights travel blog inspire you and get to know the host cities of Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, and Mexico City from a completely new perspective.
