NSW Venues Have Just Secured Extended Trading Hours For The FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow, and the time difference for games can be a real killer. Luckily for NSW residents, football fans will soon have more places to watch the world’s biggest sporting event, with the state government announcing extended trading hours for licensed venues during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The changes will allow pubs, clubs and bars across NSW to stay open later when broadcasting key World Cup matches, giving fans more opportunities to catch the action—especially those early-morning kick-offs.

Here’s what you need to know.

Jump to: 

• Which FIFA World Cup Matches Qualify For Extended Trading?
• Where Can You Watch The FIFA World Cup In Sydney?
• Extra Trading Hours For Sydney Venues

Which FIFA World Cup Matches Qualify For Extended Trading?

Under the new arrangements, licensed venues will be able to access extended trading hours when screening:

• Australia’s group stage matches
• The Round of 32
• The Round of 16
• Quarter-finals
• Semi-finals
• The FIFA World Cup Final

The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 nations competing for football’s biggest prize.

Where Can You Watch The FIFA World Cup In Sydney?

If you’re after a bigger atmosphere, two free live sites will be operating throughout the tournament.

Fans can head to:

• Tumbalong Park
• Cathy Freeman Park

Both venues will screen every Socceroos match on giant outdoor screens, and Tumbalong Park will also host broadcasts of the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final from July 10 onwards. 

If you're after more of a pub atmosphere, check out Sydney's best sports bars that are guaranteed to be streaming matches. 

Extra Trading Hours For Sydney Venues

The extended trading rules will also apply to licensed venues within the City of Sydney local government area when matches are being shown at the Darling Harbour live site.

That includes venues across Sydney CBD, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Haymarket, Barangaroo, Potts Point, Woolloomooloo and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The changes form part of the NSW Government’s broader Special Event Extended Trading initiative, which allows venues to trade outside normal hours during major cultural and sporting events.

Image credit: FIFA World Cup | Instagram