A maize labyrinth in southern Germany becomes the golden World Cup trophy, opening Sunday
Farmer Adrian Schlenker has cut a 1.5-hectare maize field in Buggingen, Südbaden, into the shape of the FIFA World Cup trophy, coinciding with the 2026 tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The labyrinth opens on 22 June at 10:00 with a festival and a football quiz.
A southern German farmer has turned a maize field into a walkable replica of football’s most coveted prize.
From field to trophy
Passend zum laufenden Turnier in den USA, Kanada und Mexiko hat Landwirt Adrian Schlenker in Buggingen (Landkreis Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald) das Motiv der Trophäe in das Labyrinth seines Maisfelds gemäht. From a bird’s‑eye view, visitors wandering the paths are effectively walking through the golden cup itself. The design covers roughly 1.5 hectares, planted with some 120,000 maize stalks sown in two perpendicular directions.
Walking through the cup
The pathway network spans 3,000 square metres, winding through the tall maize. The effect mimics the intricate contours of the FIFA World Cup trophy, which is normally held aloft by the winning team.
Opening and quiz
Eröffnet wird das Maislabyrinth am kommenden Sonntag um 10.00 Uhr mit einem Fest. Once visitors master the maze, they can take part in a quiz: at several stamp stations they must answer Weltmeisterfragen – questions about world champions. The labyrinth stays open until the maize is harvested in autumn.
