FOR MOST football supporters, reaching a FIFA World Cup match involves booking a flight, buying a ticket, and making their way to the stadium. For German football fan Jakob Alberti, however, getting to the 2026 World Cup became an adventure that spanned nearly two years, four continents, and more than 25,000 km.
When Germany took to the field for its opening World Cup match in Houston, Alberti was among the supporters in attendance. Yet his journey to the stadium was unlike that of any other fan.
The 26-year-old from Karlsruhe, Germany, set out on a remarkable cycling expedition in August 2024 with a simple but ambitious goal: travel around the world by bicycle and arrive in North America in time for the World Cup.
What began as a dream soon evolved into one of the most unusual football journeys imaginable.
Inspired by a documentary he watched with his mother about long-distance cycling adventures, Alberti developed a passion for exploring the world on two wheels. After completing his studies in international business and international management and spending several years working in marketing and sales, he saved enough money to embark on the trip of a lifetime.
Rather than meticulously planning every stage of the route, Alberti chose to embrace uncertainty.
His journey carried him through Austria, the Balkans, Turkey, the UAE, India, Thailand, Australia, and eventually the US. Along the way, he adapted constantly to changing circumstances, whether political developments, border regulations or advice from fellow travellers.
As if cycling across continents were not challenging enough, Alberti added another personal objective to his adventure—running a marathon in every country he visited.
The kilometres were demanding, but it was the people he encountered that left the deepest impression.
Throughout his travels, strangers frequently offered assistance, meals, accommodation and friendship. Alberti says the kindness he experienced around the world reinforced his belief that human connection transcends borders and cultures.
Among his most memorable experiences was his time in India, where curious locals often stopped him for conversations and photographs. In Thailand, he faced a very different challenge when severe flooding left roads submerged and forced him to remain at a petrol station for an entire week.
Despite the difficult conditions, local residents ensured he was never alone.
Their generosity transformed a potentially stressful situation into one of the most meaningful chapters of his journey.
Football remained a constant companion throughout his travels. Carrying a jersey of his beloved Karlsruher SC, Alberti frequently discovered fellow football enthusiasts in the most unexpected places. One particularly memorable moment came on the Thai island of Koh Samui, where he stumbled upon a gathering place for supporters of his hometown club thousands of kilometres from Germany.
After nearly two years on the road, Alberti finally reached Houston just in time for Germany’s opening match of the World Cup.
Asked about his expectations for the tournament, his answer reflected both confidence and optimism.
“World champions,” he said with a smile. “After travelling this far, I have to believe.”
Yet arriving at the World Cup was never intended to be the final destination.
Once the tournament concludes, Alberti plans to continue his travels along the eastern coast of the US before eventually making his way back to Europe through North Africa and the Mediterranean region.
Only then will he complete the circle and return to Karlsruhe, the city where his extraordinary adventure first began.
Until that day arrives, Alberti will continue adding kilometres to his journey, collecting unforgettable experiences and proving that sometimes the road to a football match can be just as remarkable as the match itself.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 June, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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