Overview
- FIFA’s official schedule lists 53 of 104 matches starting during the night in Germany, including 43 group games.
- Austria’s group fixtures include two early-morning kickoffs for local viewers, at roughly 6:00 and 4:00, with the Argentina match set for a 19:00 start.
- ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold called the timing disappointing and said the federation will proceed with arrangements, including scouting a base in San Francisco.
- High-profile teams face late slots for European audiences, with Portugal vs. Colombia set for 1:30 a.m. German time and Argentina also scheduled once in the night window.
- FIFA points to player welfare and heat concerns raised by FIFPro, limiting afternoon games to cooler or covered venues, while reports differ on the exact number of knockout ties scheduled overnight and note that Germany and England largely avoid the latest starts.