Trump's politics have been a major talking point ahead of the tournament, as have concerns over security in the US. There has also been massive backlash over ticket prices, although FIFA claim Germany is one of seven countries, aside from the hosts, that have submitted the most ticket applications.

The German Football Assn. vice president has joined others calling for boycotting U.S. World Cup matches.

Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney and former chair of FIFA’s Independent Governance Committee, sparked controversy by advising fans to boycott the USA.