Watch the 2026 World Cup here
The first World Cup in three countries is coming up, and Leipzig is joining in the excitement. From June 11 to July 19, matches will be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico, and yes, the time difference is quite a challenge: many games will only be kicked off late in the evening or in the middle of the night. Good news for all those who don't want to sit alone in front of the TV at home: The federal government has issued a special noise protection exemption until the end of July to allow open-air cheering until late.
Incidentally, there will be no large public viewing event on Augustusplatz this year. Instead, Leipzig's gastronomy is doing what it does best: Firing up beer gardens, hanging up screens and bringing the city together. We've put together a list of where you can watch the games, from the shady beer garden idyll to the corner pub around the corner.
For orientation, Germany's preliminary round matches: on June 14 against Curaçao, on June 20 against Ivory Coast and on June 25 against Ecuador. All at late German time, so plan your evening accordingly.
Open air and beer garden: World Cup in the open air
Dolden Mädel Braugasthaus Leipzig
04103 Leipzig
Craft beer paradise with a beer garden and a beer menu that you'll have to read through first. Hip but cozy, with hearty cuisine including pork knuckle. The Germany games are shown and the focus is clearly on enjoyment rather than booing. It's closed on Mondays and Sundays, so check before you go.
All infos for the locationHerr KAUZIG
Bar with its own beer garden on Jahnallee, so garden feeling plus nightlife vibe in one. Various seating areas, relaxed young atmosphere, fair prices. The Germany games plus the opening and final are shown. If you want the game to seamlessly turn into an evening, this is the place for you.
All infos for the locationFelsenkeller Leipzig
04229 Leipzig
This is the big thing in the west of Leipzig. The Felsenkeller fires up its beer garden and shows all the World Cup matches live on the big screen throughout the summer, plus specials from the kitchen and bar. Under the old trees, with a Plagwitz neighborhood feeling and a cool drink in your hand, even a night game feels like summer. It's worth booking a table in advance, especially on Germany evenings.
All infos for the locationMückenschlösschen
Garden pub charm in the north. According to the house, the World Cup will be shown here on a large screen, making it a relaxed open-air alternative away from the hustle and bustle. More cozy than loud, it's great for anyone who wants to enjoy the game without the crowds.
All infos for the locationJoseph Pub
The secret favorite in the west. Irish pub with a surprisingly pretty backyard, a huge selection of drinks and a team that will give you a warm welcome straight away. All evening games are on here from 5 p.m., reservations are required and a really good idea for the important games. Add a burger and you have the perfect World Cup evening with friends.
All infos for the locationGosenschenke "Ohne Bedenken"
Probably the most traditional address on the list. Genuine Leipzig Gose, Saxon cuisine and one of the most beautiful old beer gardens in the city. Important: The closing time here is relatively early, so the pub is only suitable for the earlier kick-off times. Nevertheless, it's a dream for a cozy game in the countryside with gose tasting.
All infos for the locationOwn public viewing events
Heilandskirche, Westkreuz Leipzig
04229 Leipzig
On June 20, the Lindenau-Plagwitz parish is hosting a public viewing of the Germany v. Ivory Coast match, from 10 p.m. until late at night. A nice, somewhat different place to share the excitement, right in the middle of your neighborhood.
All infos for the locationFestplatz am Cottaweg
04 Leipzig
More for the younger ones: On June 14, RBL Youth will be watching the match between Germany and Curaçao on a big screen, complete with snacks, drinks and EA FC 26 gaming stations. The target group is 14 to 19-year-olds, registration required. Cool format if you know someone that age.
All infos for the locationBars and pubs: share the excitement on the city's couch
Spizz Leipzig
The jazz institution right on the market, right in the middle and always full. The café and bar downstairs is open until five in the morning at weekends. The Germany games are on here and the city pulsates around it. The spot for all those who want the full hustle and bustle program.
All infos for the locationLa Boum
Lively cocktail bar with a club touch in the Fischer-Art-Haus on the Karli, lots of local people and cheap drinks. Chilled out during the day, party in the evening. The opening game and the Germany matches are shown. Perfect if you want the game to flow seamlessly into the evening.
All infos for the locationBarfusz Leipzig
A central mix of bar, café and restaurant right on the market, cozy with outdoor seating under the heating elements. Burgers, solid food, very central location. The Germany games are on here, which is handy if you're out and about in the city anyway.
All infos for the locationBar42
Small insider tip on the edge of the city, sports bar meets gastropub with open kitchen and really good reviews. Attentive service, vegan options, and you can watch sport and still chat normally. All the games are on here, a charming alternative to the noisy hustle and bustle of the pub.
All infos for the locationDhillons
One of the best-known sports bar addresses in the city, just behind the market. Fast service even when the place is full, several screens and the complete pub program from Guinness to burgers. All games are shown here during opening hours, so it's a safe bet if you really want to watch every game.
All infos for the locationKildare City Pub
Stylish Irish pub on two floors, tucked away in the barefoot alley, with friendly and fast service. Regularly shows soccer and is considered one of the best addresses for late evenings in the city. It gets full during big games, so better come early.
All infos for the locationBellini's Restaurant & Bar
Italian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar, warmly decorated and praised above all for its drinks. What is shown is what is on public TV. The spot for a relaxed dinner with a game in the background.
All infos for the locationBillard Café Schönefeld
Billiard café and sports bar in the north-east, with burgers, reasonable prices and long opening hours. Swing a cue, drink a beer, watch a game, all in one. The opening match and all games with German participation are shown. A nice neighborhood spot away from the tourist routes.
All infos for the locationAnd otherwise
Soccerworld Leipzig
04103 Leipzig
Strictly speaking, this is not a bar, but an indoor soccer facility with a restaurant area. In keeping with the sports setting, the Germany games are played here. More of a destination for groups of footballers who want to watch together after the game.
All infos for the locationFrequently asked questions about the 2026 World Cup
When will the 2026 World Cup take place?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Do I need a ticket for public viewing events for the 2026 World Cup?
That depends on the organizer: Many open-air fan zones are free of charge, but individual bars or indoor events require tickets or seat reservations (especially for Germany matches or the final). Check the event information on Rausgegangen or the location's website.
Are there rules for open-air events for the 2026 World Cup?
Yes - city regulations apply to large events in public spaces (noise protection, curfews, permits for outdoor serving). Organizers must comply with these regulations; as a visitor, it is best to find out about the admission and conduct rules in advance.