After 16,000 miles, a Germany fan reached Houston for the World Cup

Catch up quick: Alberti set off from Germany in August 2024.

• The journey took him across Europe, Asia and Australia before he flew to Los Angeles and biked to Houston over the past month.
• Along the way, he navigated floods, bike breakdowns, illnesses and shifting political situations.

What they're saying: After Germany's opening game against Curaçao, he told Axios: "I feel amazing. My first World Cup match ever. It was great. I was smiling all match long. It was 10,000% worth it."

Stunning stat: He has run a marathon in every country he's visited so far.

• During the World Cup, he's adding another challenge: running 10 kilometers for every goal Germany scores.
• "That might also lead up to some crazy ultramarathons in the next couple of weeks," he said.

What's next: Alberti hopes to follow Germany to matches in New York and Toronto, even though he doesn't yet have tickets.

• After the tournament, he'll return to Houston, pick up his bicycle and continue toward New York, then North Africa before eventually heading back to Germany.

Fun facts to go: His favorite country was Iraq."The people were so crazy friendly."

• He's enjoyed Houston the past week and half, but isn't sold on cycling in the Bayou City. "I would say it's not really made for bicycles."