Germany: Max Kruse celebrates socca world championship title in Essen

On the bustling Kennedy Square in Essen, thousands of fans cheer as the German small‑field selection places the World Cup trophy in its hands after a gripping final – a historic title win that marks the greatest career achievement for former Bundesliga professional world champion Max Kruse.

The official photo from Imago shows former football professional Max Kruse amid the German national team, which beamed on the Essen Kennedy Square after the final victory in the 2026 Socca World Championship. The crowd celebrated the small‑field selection's triumph with loud cheers. The camera captured the glowing jerseys and the colorful banner of the German flag waving over the pitch.

Final in Essen: German Triumph

In the final, the German small‑field selection prevailed 3 : 1 over Brazil. Gaspard Fehlinger scored the equaliser, Raffael Kobrowski put the hosts ahead before halftime, and Paul Kohlstädt sealed the final score. The World Cup trophy was presented on home soil. The fans sang the national anthem while the team was united in the celebrations after the final whistle.

Captain Konstantin Fries was overjoyed after the triumph: “This is a dream coming true.” He added with a wink: “We will have a short night.” The celebration at Kennedy Square knew no bounds. The camera captured the emotional embrace of the players, who enjoyed the moment together.

Coach Kim Sippel commented emotionally: “Germany is finally world champion in football again.” His words underscored the long‑awaited success of the German team in small‑field football and the significance of the title for the entire selection.

The Road Through the Semi‑Final Against Poland

In the semi‑final, the German side won a real thriller against Poland 3 : 2. The match was characterised by tension and quick counter‑attacks before the small‑field selection scored the decisive goal at the end to secure the final. After the victory, the players celebrated with a short team evening before preparing for the final.

Max Kruse: Greatest Career Achievement After Professional Career

For former Bundesliga professional Max Kruse, the title win represents the greatest success of his career since the end of his traditional football career. During his active years he won the 2015/16 Supercup with VfL Wolfsburg, but the Socca World Championship title surpasses everything. Kruse emphasised that he sees the new challenge in small‑field football as a welcome continuation of his passion.

Essen had already hosted the Socca World Championship in 2023, but now the city could celebrate a German title win for the first time. The setting of Kennedy Square provided the perfect backdrop for the historic triumph of the German small‑field selection.

The victory makes Germany world champion again in the football format and enhances the reputation of the national team in small‑field sport. For the players, coaches and fans it represents an unforgettable chapter in the history of German football. Another highlight was the media attention the event received. Society sees the success as a sign of the growing interest in small‑field sport in Germany.