HOW the 2006 World Cup changed Germany forever

The 2006 FIFA World Cup was a milestone, not just in football terms. Who could forget those legends of the beautiful game - from Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Alessandro Del Piero to CR7 and Leo Messi making their first steps on the biggest stage. But for hosts Germany it was about so much more than just football. Under the motto “The world comes to stay with friends", Germany staged a major international event for the first time as a reunited republic, forging a new national identity in the process. What was it that made the tournament so special?

Report: Tom Gennoy
Camera & Editing: Joe Wright

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[erickbyarushengo]

2006 was the first World Cup I ever watched. I was 16 years old watching it from the US. The tournament left a lasting impression on me and about Germany in general. I spent some time in Germany in my 20s and it’s gotten me to appreciate German society and culture. Germany will always have a place in my heart.

[RizalBatheki]

it's just weird that now video footages from 2006 look outdated, like in 2006 seeing 1980s videos. 2006 didnt feel that long ago!

[TheAlgeriano]

This made me feel nostalgic. It was the first world cup I watched when I was 10 years old.

[zs]

2006 was the last dance of many different legends of the game, all the Maestros of the 90s. and the beginning of Messi and Ronaldo

[veenooms]

WC2006 was the best WC. Opened my eyes to the beautiful game eventhough i saw WC2002.

[freddyorozco]

The first World Cup I watched was USA 94. But Germany 06 was the first World Cup that I was truly fully immersed in to the football. Still my favorite World Cup.

[jfoot]

Up to today the 2006 world cup was the most successful and the best world cup tournament I've watched. Almost every match mattered, had emotions and everything and actually and each team were filled with established legends.

[RoYoLiN]

Im Nachhinein betrachtet...Lahm, Klose, Schweinsteiger waren nicht nur Nationalspieler sondern auch Nationalhelden.

[timotheematos]

One the best world cups
Well organized
Last dance of huge stars
I was also only 8 so very mesmerized by all of this
Hugs from 🇨🇭

[debruyne]

All the teams kits were a gem that time. Adidas iconic Teamgeist, aesthetic Puma design, diversified Nike and even the minority brands (Lotto, Joma and Marathon) which also gave their best to all of us.

[fritzschnitzmueller]

I was 10 at that time and I still remember it like yesterday. The car parade in my small town was crazy. EVERYONE was outside celebrating. EVERYONE. The atmosphere was indescribable

[TuanMormont]

1990: Germany won the World Cup in Italy

2006: Italy won the World Cup in Germany

[gspot]

I was there in Germany for the 2006 World Cup. Witnessing the euphoria with this World Cup was one of the best experiences in my traveling. I've been to 3 World Cups and the one in 2006 was the best.

[johndoe-qocy]

2006 is the best World cup ever. Imo. So many fantastic players from many top nations all together. Wont see so many good players like them for a long time.

[joshrees]

and Australia my country surprised everyone in the 2006 World Cup it was a winter fairytale for Australians.Our game against Japan is legendary no one expected us to win

[briannao]

The infamous Battle of Nuremberg was played during the 2006 FIFA World Cup!!

[marklapena]

This is still my favourite World Cup. Great memories!

[tarik]

Hands down the best World Cup I have seen thus far, not a single one since has been able to match it.

[kstephen]

To me 2006 stands out in football most of the teams were star studded, football in early 2000s was amazing from south American flair to European legends

[KmKtz]

I was 14 in 2006. It felt like a whole change of society here in germany. Germans really were kind of cold towards each other if not for family and friends. That entirely changed in 2006 and kind of has been since.