Public lecture focuses on the political exploitation of the World Cup

Anyone interested is invited to attend the lecture “The Game of the Strong Men – The World Cup as a Political Stage” free of charge in the Central Lecture Theatre Building, Audimax 1, on the BTU’s main campus in Cottbus. No registration is required.

About the lecture

In the summer of 2026, the Football World Cup will take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada. At the same time, on 4 July 2026, the USA will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. It is likely that US President Trump will incorporate the World Cup into his ‘America First’ policy. In doing so, he is reinforcing a global trend, as heads of state have been using football for nationalism for years. Serbian President Vučić relies on the support of hooligans during demonstrations. Turkish President Erdoğan is having stadiums built in regions where his party is popular. And Saudi Arabia is driving forward its transformation by hosting the 2034 World Cup. But how can democratic processes surrounding the world’s biggest sporting event be safeguarded? How should international football associations respond to the political instrumentalisation by the host nations? What opportunities do fans worldwide have to actively influence these developments?

The lecture is organised in collaboration with and with the kind support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Brandenburg. A welcome address by Urban Überschär, Head of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s Brandenburg Regional Office, will open the event.

Moderator

Sten Marquaß, Director of the Lausitz Sports School Cottbus
Thomas Hasenauer from the Centre for Continuing Education at BTU

Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 5.30 pm to 7 pm
Venue: Audimax 1 on the BTU main campus, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus

About the speaker

Ronny Blaschke is an author and journalist specialising in political issues in sport; he works for Deutschlandfunk, the Süddeutsche Zeitung and Die ZEIT, among others. With ‘Spielfeld der Herrenmenschen – Kolonialismus und Rassismus’ (The Playing Field of the Master Race – Colonialism and Racism), his sixth book, he aims to spark a debate. The book was named Football Book of the Year 2024 by the German Academy for Football Culture with distinction.

About the Open BTU lecture series

From 15 April 2026 to 17 June 2026, the public lecture series Open BTU offers insights into fascinating fields of knowledge. During the summer semester, the following topics will be explored from various perspectives:

• Democracy – Retrospectives, the Present and Future Prospects
• Prefabricated housing and heritage conservation – Two architectural perspectives on the GDR
• The Garden – A Natural Reflection of Society on Our Green Spaces 

With this educational format, open to all interested parties, the University’s Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. In doing so, the BTU cooperates with other universities and institutions. After each lecture, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion with the speakers. Interested parties are warmly invited to take part in the wide-ranging programme of events.

More about the Open BTU public lecture series