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AHA Kickoff

AHA Anpfiff brings science to places you might not necessarily expect: public viewing events. During the 2026 World Cup, scientists from AHA institutions will highlight just how much research goes into soccer during select matches. Short, entertaining, and surprising. 

During the group stage of the World Cup, BR sports anchor and stadium announcer Michael Eham will invite researchers to the stage in the Nockherberg beer garden for two matches featuring the German team—researchers who share his great enthusiasm for soccer! They’ll help pass the time while you wait for kickoff with exciting stories, fresh perspectives—and the occasional “aha” moment.

Dates

  • June 14, 2026 – Germany vs. Curaçao

Starting around 5:30 p.m., warm up with BR host Michael Eham and Daniel Link, professor of exercise science and sports informatics at the Technical University of Munich.

Together, they get to the bottom of famous soccer sayings —and are sure to have a few “aha” moments in store for the audience along the way. Should the player who was fouled really not take the penalty kick? What’s the deal with this mysterious “home-field advantage”? And is the ball even round? With surprising facts, fascinating insights, and plenty of entertainment, the two of them shed light on what really lies behind the great soccer sayings.

  • June 25, 2026 – Ecuador vs. Germany

Starting around 8:30 p.m., host Michael Eham will talk with Jan Kern, a research associate at the TUM Chair of Kinesiology, about headers. Do they really damage the brain? And how can researchers even figure that out? 

  

Location: Paulaner beer garden at Nockherberg (public viewing in the beer garden), Hochstraße 77, 81541 Munich

Free admission.
Just find a seat—and enjoy a few Mind Snacks with a cold drink!