Overview
- The federal government approved a special public-viewing rule that allows exceptions to the 22:00 night-noise limit for all 39 days of the 2026 World Cup.
- Cities must still grant permits case by case, and there is no nationwide cutoff time like the 1 a.m. limit used during Euro 2024.
- Major NRW hubs—Dortmund, Cologne and Düsseldorf—say they are not planning city-run viewing sites, with Cologne indicating it will review requests for exemptions.
- Recklinghausen is moving ahead with a central “KIA-Arena” on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz for games that start by 22:00, with screenings mostly free and a €2 security fee for Germany matches, and presales now open.
- Bars and restaurants see a chance for higher late-night sales but warn about staffing costs, extra security and neighbor noise as police and fire services coordinate safety plans for larger crowds.