Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad arrived in Chicago with a clear mission: prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the usual fanfare. The DFB’s team hotel, the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago’s Gold Coast, offered luxury but no flags. “We treat all guests discreetly,” a hotel employee said ahead of the team’s arrival. Yet for the German national team, this trip carries an unusual weight—connecting the present to a World Cup chapter 32 years in the past.
Chicago: A City of Contrasts and Memories
Residing in the heart of Chicago, the DFB stars are just 20 minutes from the Chicago Fire training complex, the former club of Bastian Schweinsteiger. The team’s base, nestled near Lake Michigan, offers a refreshing early-summer climate. Temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), a stark contrast to the sweltering conditions expected later in the month. “It’s a perfect environment to focus,” said Nagelsmann during a pre-trip press conference.
But the city itself is more than a logistical stop. Soldier Field, where Germany will face the U.S. On Saturday (20:30 CET, 14:30 CDT), holds special significance. For Rudi Völler, the DFB’s sporting director, it’s a place of personal history. “My last World Cup as a player was in the U.S. Now I’m returning here, and I’m excited for next week in Chicago,” he said. Völler’s 1994 World Cup campaign saw Germany host the tournament in Chicago, with the city serving as a base for the squad. His final goal for the national team came in the 1994 quarterfinal against Belgium, a memory he described as “elegant.”
Training Grounds and Tactical Focus
The proximity to Chicago Fire’s facility allows the team to train in a professional environment. The 10-minute drive to Soldier Field ensures minimal travel time, a logistical advantage for Nagelsmann. The match against the U.S. Is a critical warm-up, with the DFB aiming to test their cohesion ahead of the World Cup. “This game will help us identify areas to improve,” Nagelsmann noted. Key players like Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer, making a comeback after injury, are expected to feature prominently.
Weather conditions have been a relief for the coaching staff. Unlike the intense heat expected in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where the team will relocate next week, Chicago’s mild temperatures provide ideal training conditions. “We’re not worried about the heat right now,” said a DFB spokesperson. The team’s schedule includes two matches in the U.S., with the second against Mexico in St. Louis on June 10.
The Absence of WM Stimmung
The lack of visible World Cup flags in Chicago is deliberate. The Waldorf Astoria, known for hosting high-profile guests, maintains a policy of discretion. “We don’t hang flags for any team,” the employee explained. This contrasts with the fanfare of past World Cup campaigns, where national symbols dominated the atmosphere. For Nagelsmann, the focus remains on preparation rather than celebration. “Our priority is to build momentum for the tournament,” he said.
Yet the absence of flags doesn’t diminish the significance of the trip. Chicago’s role in 1994 as a World Cup host city adds a layer of historical resonance. The DFB’s 1994 squad, which reached the semifinals, trained in the same city. Völler’s return to Soldier Field, where he scored his final goal, is a poignant reminder of the team’s legacy.
