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Licensed venues across NSW will be able to open longer hours during the FIFA World Cup, which is being played from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Part of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, special event extended trading is making it easier for businesses to take part in major events and for people to enjoy them.
For the FIFA World Cup, eligible licensed venues (including hotels, clubs, general bars, and small bars) can trade longer hours automatically when they broadcast Australian group stage matches, all the knockout rounds (16 and 32) and the finals. Licensees do not need to apply or register to access extended trading for this event.
Extended trading will apply statewide across New South Wales and override development consent trading hours.
Even with extended trading, venues must still follow their existing licence conditions.
This includes:
that venues must show a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period
the mandatory 6-hour shutdown period, where it applies
any individual licence conditions or restrictions
rules about responsible service of alcohol
Extended trading only applies to drinks consumed on the premises. It does not apply to takeaway alcohol. Gaming machine operations are not allowed during the extended trading period.
For football fans, this means more places will be open to watch matches live.
Fans can expect:
more venues open for early morning games
easier access to live screenings across NSW
a more vibrant atmosphere during the tournament
Special Event Extended Trading can be declared for events of regional, state or national significance. The FIFA World Cup is one of these events.
The Vibrancy Reforms have made it easier to declare these extended trading periods and expanded the types of venues that can take part. This supports local businesses and helps create a more lively and welcoming night-time economy across NSW.
There are also two free public live sites operating, Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour and Cathy Freeman Park at Sydney Olympic Park.
Both will host live broadcasts of every Socceroos match on giant screens, beginning with Australia vs Türkiye on 14 June at 2pm (AEST), USA vs Australia on 20 June at 5am, and Paraguay vs Australia on 26 June at 12pm.
Finals matches are also scheduled at Tumbalong Park from 10 July through to 20 July, including quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
Extended trading will also apply to licensed premises when the Darling Harbour live site screens afternoon games. This is part of the NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading initiative, which allows venues to trade outside regular times during major cultural and sporting events.
For more information and to plan your trip, head to transportnsw.info/events/2026/06/world-cup-live-site-darling-harbour.
For the full list of extended trading, please visit the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.
We acknowledge that we live and work on Aboriginal land and recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of First Nations Australians. We also acknowledge all of the traditional owners of the land in NSW, and pay respect to First Nations Elders, past and present.
