Recommendations of the Editorial team
When the 2026 World Cup starts on June 11, 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico, there will be the possibility of public viewing, as has been the case with previous world tournaments. Watching the DFB team or other teams together with thousands of fans is an event in itself.
Since many games kick off late in Germany, politicians have reacted. The federal cabinet had the necessary ones months ago Exceptions to the normally applicable noise protection rules decided. This means that public broadcasts of games are also possible after 10 p.m.
However, the events must be approved by cities and municipalities – so there is no right to public viewing. However, when making public viewing decisions, the local authorities must carefully weigh up the public interest in broadcasting the games and the neighborhood’s need for peace and quiet.
For Berlin, for example, the Germany games and the final can be shown outdoors at any time. This means: If the DFB team has to play after midnight, there could also be public viewing. In the group phase, the other teams’ games from Sunday to Thursday only take place until a kick-off at 8 p.m. After that, public viewing may only take place again from 6 a.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, games that kick off until 9 p.m. can also be shown in the fresh air.
Incidentally, the special regulation is not new; it was issued for the first time for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Back then, the open-air events contributed a lot to the “summer fairytale” atmosphere.
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However, it is noticeable that such special regulations are apparently only made for “King Football”. Music enthusiasts are always left out and at live outdoor events they have to expect that the juice will be turned off by 10 p.m. at the latest due to noise protection regulations. From this point on, the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) and the respective state pollution control laws, which regulate the protection of nighttime rest, come into effect.
From 10 p.m. onwards, the noise level for residents usually has to be drastically reduced. However, cities and municipalities can allow longer playing times (usually until 11:00 p.m. or midnight) within the framework of exemptions under the BImSchG. There are usually noise protection requirements: It is often specified that the main bass and full volume must be turned down from 10 p.m. In some cases the game is then completed using special directional beam technology.