Germany kicks off World Cup campaign tonight: Cool, unsettled weather greets fans at public viewings across NRW

Weather sets a cool tone

When the DFB-Elf kicks off at 19.00 CEST against Curaçao, the meteorological backdrop in NRW will be far from a summer fairy tale. The German Weather Service (DWD) forecasts values only around 19 degrees, with localised short showers and, especially in the east and north of the state, strong gusts. Many fans are nonetheless planning to watch together outdoors, though the landscape of fan miles is smaller than during the European Championship held in Germany two years ago.

Germany's match schedule

The tournament is played in North American time zones, shifting kick-off times for German viewers. After today's opener in Houston, Germany faces Ivory Coast on 20 June at 22.00 CEST and Ecuador on 25 June, also at 22.00 CEST. Some group-stage matches will start at midnight German time or later. The World Cup final is set for 19 July at 21.00 CEST.

Largest public viewing in Herten

The "Arena auf Ewald" on the former Ewald colliery site is billed as NRW's biggest public viewing, accommodating up to 10,000 visitors. All group-stage matches with a kick-off no later than 22.00 CEST will be screened. Entry is free for matches not involving Germany; for DFB-Elf games, a two-euro security fee applies. Tickets are required for exclusive areas with separate toilets and a private bar, as well as for the Ferris wheel on the grounds.

Recklinghausen's Rathausplatz

The "Kia Arena" on Recklinghausen's town hall square also claims to be one of Germany's largest fan miles. For Germany matches, the adjoining Wallring road is closed hours before kick-off, and the maximum capacity stands at 8,000. All tournament matches starting by 22.00 CEST are shown. As in Herten, a two-euro security fee is charged for DFB-team games; otherwise, admission is free. Gates open two hours before German matches and the final, and generally one hour before the first match of the day. A two-storey VIP tent is available with tickets.

Dortmund and beyond

Dortmund's "Stadt Dortmund Fanfest im Hafengarten" can hold up to 3,000 fans under the open sky within the outline of a former hall. Entry is free and matches kicking off by 23.00 CEST are shown. In other NRW cities, Essen reports three public viewings with 1,000 expected visitors each, while Wuppertal's largest offering has a significant capacity, though details were not fully listed.

Fans are urged to dress for cool, breezy conditions and to check local weather updates before heading out.