Gegenüber Magazine Newsletter

June 2026

Dear Readers,

This summer, the Men’s Soccer World Cup in North America sets the stage for cultural exchange—three countries, one tournament. Join the excitement across the region with the Goethe-Institut’s events: from public viewings to competitions, talks, and cultural programs celebrating the sport’s spirit of inclusion, community, and fair play.

Discover the new GEGENÜBER edition—available as always in German, English, French, and Spanish—exploring soccer beyond the pitch with insightful perspectives on identity, sustainability, and the psychology of sport.

Plus, stream Breaking Lines on Goethe on Demand, and explore our Columns and Snippets: discover the latest Binge Fever editions, the June 2026 Popcast, and a curated selection of articles for more highlights.

Enjoy the tournament and the read—here’s to unforgettable soccer moments! ⚽

Your GEGENÜBER Editorial Team

All About Soccer

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Gegenüber Edition: Soccer World Cup 2026

More Than a Game

Three countries, one tournament: the Men’s Soccer World Cup in North America becomes a stage for cultural encounters—between stadiums and streets, migration and myth, commerce and community. Discover the new Gegenüber edition, available in German, English, French, and Spanish.

Kick off the World Cup

Through July 31 | Film Series | Online

Breaking Lines

To mark the 2026 Soccer World Cup’s arrival in North America this summer, the German Film Office presents Breaking Lines, a series celebrating the empowering, unifying force of soccer. From triumphant stories of teamwork told through the lens of migration (Too Far Away, Winners), to documentaries on women and queer people pioneering inclusivity in the sport (We Wanted More – The Miracle of Taipei, The Last Taboo), to a charming look at the devotion of a neurodivergent fan (Weekend Rebels), the selection sees soccer lovers of all stripes finding solidarity and perseverance both on and off the field. Streams free through July 31 on Gegenüber Goethe on Demand.

Watch for free

New Binge Fever Editions

German Series in North America

Kacken an der Havel, a.k.a. Crap Happens

This bonkers nine-episode comedy about a failed rapper who returns to his hometown in rural Brandenburg can only be described as fearlessly kooky.

Dive in

German Series in North America

Call My Agent Berlin

Giant egos, tiny budgets, constant crises: Call My Agent Berlin turns the German film scene into a deliciously chaotic workplace comedy that feels surprisingly authentic.

Dig into

24/7 | Online | German Series Available to Stream

More from Binge Fever!

German TV is evolving fast: driven by streaming and global competition, creators are reinventing storytelling and attracting top talent. In this dossier, we spotlight binge-worthy German series—and where to watch them in the U.S. Explore the two series above and discover many more with Binge Fever.

Learn more

Editorial Recommendations

100th Birthday of Ingeborg Bachmann

Breaking the Silence Through Poetry

Ingeborg Bachmann rose to prominence as a celebrated author of the postwar era with her very first publication. To mark what would have been her 100th birthday, Beate Tröger revisits the poetry collection “Die gestundete Zeit” (Time Deferred) – with which Bachmann not only challenged the imprecision of language, but also wrote against the silence surrounding war, crimes and guilt.

Read

Courtesy of the artist. Photo (detail): Jens Ziehe, Berlin

German Pavilion in Venice

Uncomfortable History

The Venice Biennale is regarded as the most important international exhibition of contemporary art. In the German Pavilion in 2026, Henrike Naumann and Sung Tieu made an aesthetic and political statement about Germany’s past and present with their exhibition “Ruin”.

Immerse yourself

Current Music From Germany

Popcast #6/2026

Listen to the latest tracks from Germany's lively music scene. This month featuring Kreidler, Cosey Mueller and many more!

Goethe-Institut Newsletters in North America

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