2026 FIFA World Cup sparks public viewings and political debate in Europe

German journalists Ingo Zamperoni and Philipp Awounou travel across the United States for ARD’s documentary “Spielfeld der Macht,” examining how the 2026 FIFA World Cup intertwines with American politics, including references to President Donald Trump and the sport’s role on the global stage.

Across Europe, fans gather for massive public‑viewing events. In Switzerland, dozens of venues—from pubs to arena spaces—offer free or ticketed screenings, with day tickets ranging from CHF 7 to CHF 15 and season passes at CHF 99. In Germany’s southwest, municipalities host viewings in locations such as Bad Säckingen’s Huber‑Arena and various Bodensee‑area sites, enabled by temporary noise‑regulation exemptions that allow matches to be shown outdoors after 22:00.

The tournament’s opening round delivered an unusually high number of draws, a pattern not seen since 1958. Star players shone: Lionel Messi scored a hat‑trick for Argentina, Erling Haaland netted twice for Norway, and Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and others each recorded double‑goal performances. The expanded 48‑team format also saw surprising results from newcomers and lower‑ranked sides.