The Finals 2026 Kick Off in Hannover: Germany’s Largest Multi-Sport Championship Since 2006

The Finals 2026 multi-sport event officially began in Hannover on July 23, running through July 26, marking Germany’s largest sporting gathering since the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Hosted in Hannover, the event features an impressive lineup across 24 to 27 sports disciplines, where athletes compete for a total of 143 German championship titles. The range of sports includes traditional events like karate and rugby, alongside newer additions such as weightlifting, ju-jutsu, rapid surfing, and sailing; however, notably, football is excluded from the championships.

The event has been designed as a collective national championship for various sports, drawing widespread attention and extensive media coverage. ARD and ZDF are jointly broadcasting the event live, with ARD’s Stephanie Müller-Spira and ZDF’s Lena Kesting leading the coverage. On July 23, ZDF aired six hours of live programming from 1 PM, with further broadcasts scheduled throughout the weekend.

Hannover’s mayor, Belit Onay, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Finals, describing it as a "real summer fairy tale" that would significantly boost the city’s visibility on the national sports stage. The opening ceremony featured local cultural highlights, including performances by the band Fury in the Slaughterhouse and singer Lina Larissa Strahl, known as 'Bibi Blocksberg.'

To ensure safety during the event, authorities imposed road closures in key areas and deployed police and security personnel around the venues. Attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transportation for access, especially as the event coincides with the Maschseefest city festival.

With extensive live broadcasts and a vibrant program spanning four days, The Finals 2026 highlights Hannover’s central role in promoting multisport events in Germany, reflecting a renewed passion for diverse athletic competitions across the country.