World Cup 2018: Where to watch the matches

By Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public AffairsJune 15, 2018

World Cup Viewing
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- From June 14 to July 15, millions of people will watch the 2018 World Cup. Every week until the end of the competition, we will give you information about this international soccer tournament. This week, for the second part of our series, discover where to watch the matches on a big screen.

The World Cup 2018 started June 14 with the opening ceremony and the first match between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Until July 15, thousands of people will follow the matches played by their national team on a big screen.

In Belgium, many cities will organize special events for the Red Devils (Belgian national team). Belgium will play June 18 at 5 p.m., June 23 at 2 p.m., and June 28 at 8 p.m., before the knockout stage. In Mons, more than 10,000 people(per day) watched the matches played by the Belgium National team on Grand-Place two years ago, for the European tournament. This year, the organizers are still waiting for thousands of people in front of the big screen on the Grand-Place.

If you prefer to watch the matches inside, you can go to Hall Ceva in Ath (on Chemin des Primevères, 22) or at Nautisport in Enghien (on Chaussée de Soignies, 36). You can also watch the matches at the movie theaters Imagix in Mons or Tournai.

Another way to see the matches is to go in a stadium. The Crossing stadium in Schaerbeek (Rue du Suffrage Universel, 22) will be open with a big screen inside.

In Brussels, there won't be big screens in the center, but you will find them in many other places: Place Payfa-Fosseprez in Watermael-Boitsfort, Place Pinoy in Auderghem, Stade Edmond Machtens in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Place du Miroir in Jette, Place Dumon in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, and Square Hoedemaekers in Evere (only Belgium- Tunisia June 23).

There will be also big screens in Jambes (Rue d'Enhaive 148), La Louvière (Place communale), Braine L'Alleud (Hall Omnisports Gaston Reiff on Rue Ernest Laurent, 215), Nivelles (Zoning Sud), Charleroi (Place de la Digue), Binche (Grand-Place, except for Belgium-Tunisia), and in many other cities.

In Germany, many people will also gather and watch the World Cup. The "Fanmeile Berlin", located on the Straße des 17. Juni in the Tiergarten district between Brandenburg Gate and Große Queralle, will be the Germany's largest public viewing venue. Almost two kilometres long, the Fanmeile provides much space and several large video screens for a gigantic football fan party.

The Fanmeile will be screening all group matches of the German national team and all matches of the knockout stage. The admission is free. There are security checks at all entrances. Items that are not allowed on the Fanmeile grounds will be seized by the security staff. These include sharp items, items that can be used as weapons, glass bottles, aerosol cans, large bags, and more.

The Netherlands won't play, but you can also watch games of other teams in many bars.

INSIDE THE GATE

There will be a World Cup Viewing Party to see the big match between Belgium and England at the Shape Fest Tent June 28. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the match will begin at 8 p.m. No entrance fee. There will be food and beverage for purchase. This event is the kick-off to the US Independence Day Celebration the next day, Friday, June 29 in the SHAPE Fest Tent.

In Brussels, the 3 Star Recreation Center will also organize a special event for the match between Belgium and England June 28. There will be a big screen, a cash bar and snack food to purchase; nachos, fries, chicken wings or pizza. The Thursday Night dinner will be available, make your reservations the Tuesday prior at reservations3star@yahoo.com. No entrance fee, cost for food and drinks. There will be additional games July 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15.

STAY VIGILANT

• Maintain situational at all times when attending events involving large crowds such as the Doudou in Mons.

• Avoid locations which restrict or limit your movement and ability to exit the venue quickly.

• Pre-establish easily recognizable meeting spots to be used as emergency evacuation points where you and your family/friends can gather if needed.

• Move away from fights, incidents and avoid panicked crowds.

• Report any suspicious activity, unattended bags or anything outside of the norm.

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