"Because of the parliamentary week, I will not be able to attend the match in Kazan," Merkel said, adding that she hoped Germany would qualify for the knockout stage.

On June 10, Merkel said that she was not ruling out a possible trip to the World Cup in Russia if her schedule permits.

Defending champions Germany are currently second in their group behind Mexico, who will play third-placed Sweden in the other Group F match on Thursday morning.