Heimspiel

Heimspiel is a German term used in sports to denote a match that is played at the home venue of a team. It is formed from Heim (home) and Spiel (game). The opposite is Auswärtsspiel (away game).

The term is used across several sports, most commonly in football (soccer), but also in handball, basketball and other team sports in German-speaking countries. In schedules and broadcasts, teams are listed with “Heimspiel” when the match is hosted in their stadium or arena.

A home game is typically associated with a home advantage. Factors include the support of local fans, familiarity with facilities, reduced travel, and the comfort of playing in a familiar environment. While advantageous, a Heimspiel does not guarantee victory.

In two-legged or multi-match ties, each team hosts one of the games; the host's match is referred to as its Heimspiel, while the other is the Auswärtsspiel.

Related terms include Heimvorteil (home advantage) and Auswärtsspiel.