Ghent Mosques to Broadcast Early World Cup Match After Morning Prayers

In Ghent, Belgium, four Turkish mosques are opening their doors early to broadcast the World Cup match between Turkey and Australia live. The game kicks off at 6 a.m., a time when most hospitality businesses are not yet open, making the mosques a crucial venue for fans.

The early broadcast is necessitated by the match's location in Vancouver, Canada. Due to the 7-hour time difference, it will be 11 p.m. the previous day in Vancouver when the game starts. This significant time difference makes it impractical for traditional Turkish eateries in Ghent to open their doors so early to screen the match.

For the mosques, hosting the viewing is a relatively simple undertaking. Their facilities are already open for the traditional morning prayer, which takes place at 4:30 a.m. Between the prayer and the match's kickoff, a breakfast will be provided. Fans can then gather in the mosque cafeterias to watch the game together on screen.

Ghent is home to a substantial Turkish community, estimated at around 20,000 people. While it remains to be seen how many will attend the early morning viewing, the initiative offers a communal space for supporters to follow their national team during the tournament.