Overview
- FIFA’s published schedule lists 15 distinct kickoff times spanning 18:00 to 06:00 CEST, with more than half of matches starting at or after midnight in Central Europe.
- During rights talks, partners were told to expect four slots (18:00, 21:00, 00:00, 03:00 CEST), so the expanded range came as a surprise to broadcasters.
- Deutsche Telekom, which holds rights to all 104 matches in Germany, is reportedly discussing contract implications with FIFA.
- ARD and ZDF, sublicensed for 60 games, cannot air advertising after 20:00, allowing ads for Germany–Curaçao at 19:00 CEST but not for 22:00 CEST group matches against Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
- FIFA says the timing reflects North American summer heat and the needs of multiple TV markets, and there is no indication the listed kickoff times will be revised.