A new scandal is rocking the FIFA World Cup. Goleo VI, the official championship mascot, is turning out to be a flop. Perhaps he will have to become a male stripper after all. (June 2, 2006)
Is there a conspiracy in Germany to sabotage the World Cup? Anyone taking an interest in the official mascots may think so. The latest, an eagle to front the national team, is already stirring embarrassment. (Dec. 22, 2005)
Residents in the German city of Cologne have received a letter telling them that they should not display unlicensed products during the World Cup. The city authorities have denied any involvement. (June 2, 2006)
He first appeared without a voice...or trousers...but now, as his career takes another stratospheric upswing, Goleo releases a solo hit single. But what will happen to Pille now the World Cup lion has found his roar? (Feb. 9, 2006)
Bad news for German soccer fans: Olli K. and Michael B. will not be bringing pleasure to supporters during the World Cup. And as for England, their fans can forget about any buzzing performances from a certain David B. (May 25, 2006)
Does God care about the score? Two Berlin churches are planning 15-minute church services during half-time in the World Cup games. (June, 7, 2006)
It's been said that soccer is more than just a sport. It's about passion, excitement and participation. It's also about going a bit crazy. Here DW-WORLD.DE offers five of the most bizarre aspects of the 2006 World Cup. (June 8, 2006)
Where is the birthplace of The Beautiful Game? It's a hot topic for debate and a Hamburg museum is trying to get to the bottom of it. (June 7, 2006)
While many Germans soccer fans will be struggling to combine the need to work with the need to watch their team, one fairly well-known supporter of Jürgen Klinsmann's gang doesn't seem to have such problems. (June 4, 2006)
What's the best way to celebrate the fact that your country is hosting the World Cup? Deutsche Telekom believes it's turning one of Berlin's iconic landmarks into a big pink football. (Nov.11, 2005)
Is German soccer legend Franz Beckenbauer really a human being? Or is he merely a science fiction invention? He does seem capable of beaming himself to different galaxies at the speed of light. (June 21, 2006)
Unconfirmed rumors circulating in Berlin these days suggest that Germany and the United Kingdom may be on the verge of a diplomatic scandal over the surprising question of who's got the better tikka masala. (June 15, 2006)
Who says chewed-up bubble gum is a nuisance? It's worth hundreds if coming from the right mouth -- such as one belonging to a certain German goalkeeper. (June 16, 2006)
Brazilians tend to forget their socio-political problems during the World Cup. Three protestors made a statement to that effect by getting naked during a game. As if to emphasize their point, none of the crowd noticed. (June 29, 2006)
What should Germany's new darling Jürgen Klinsmann do once the World Cup is over? Hold a garage sale as soon as possible. It could make him millions, it seems. (July 8, 2006)
Drunken singing, smashed glasses, scared and alienated locals... It's all sadly familiar. England are at a World Cup and certain fans are causing chaos. Yet these rowdies sport designer pumps and are blinged to the max. (June 29, 2006)
The official homepage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
After capturing the hearts of millions back home, many of Italy's top players could soon be looking for a new job. A match-fixing scandal involving four top Italian clubs puts several national players on the market.
Lukas Podolski, one half of Germany's prolific striking duo, has been named as FIFA's Best Young Player of the 2006 World Cup ahead of some very impressive company.
Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admitted he will wait to see whether Jürgen Klinsmann stays on in the job before making up his own mind. He also said he'd move over for Oliver Kahn in Saturday's match for third place.
