Will the night match against the USA be broadcast in fan zones? The very different reactions of the mayors: 'Here, it's like Las Vegas'

As Belgium prepares for its World Cup knockout match against the USA, scheduled for late Monday night, mayors across the country are grappling with a decision: should fan zones broadcast the game live, despite the late hour? The response from local authorities is far from uniform. In Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Mayor Benoît Cerexhe has ruled out broadcasting the match, citing organizational, security, and noise concerns. Similarly, Uccle Mayor Valentine Delwart stated a firm 'no' to a fan zone at 2 a.m. Watermael-Boitsfort's mayor, David Leisterh, also prioritized resident tranquility, noting the proximity of the fan zone to homes with babies, working individuals, and the elderly.

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There will be no match on Place Dumon for organizational, security, and noise reasons. In case of victory, we will however do the next match, which will be at 9 p.m.

However, other cities are embracing the opportunity to foster a collective fan experience. Charleroi Mayor Thomas Dermine has arranged for the match to be shown in a smaller, more isolated fan zone within Reine Astrid Park, rather than the main venue, to mitigate disturbances. This approach seeks a "delicate balance" between maintaining peace and creating an exceptional collective moment.

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No fan zone at 2 a.m…

Tournai is also permitting the broadcast in its fan zone, with Mayor Marie-Christine Marghem implementing enhanced security measures, including vigilant supervision by security guards and police. The venue's capacity will be strictly controlled, and attendees will be prohibited from bringing certain items. Dinant Mayor Richard Fournaux confirmed his town would also proceed with broadcasting the match in its fan zone.

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The fan zone is in a residential area. There are babies, people who work, and the elderly who do not live far away. We have broadcast many other matches recently. But if we win, we will broadcast all the others!

The differing approaches highlight a tension between the desire to celebrate and support the national team and the need to ensure public order and respect for residents' well-being. While some municipalities are prioritizing quiet nights, others are opting for a more festive, albeit controlled, late-night gathering.

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There is a delicate balance to be found between tranquility and the desire to create an exceptional collective moment.