The 2026 FIFA World Cup is one day from starting, and football fans in the U.S. have reason to celebrate. Multiple states are relaxing bar hours and alcohol rules for the duration of the tournament. The World Cup begins on June 11 and continues until July 19. It will draw millions of visitors to North America. In response, lawmakers have passed temporary measures that allow for later last calls, new drinking districts, and special fan-zone alcohol permits.
This change in alcohol laws is not unprecedented. When Qatar hosted the World Cup in 2022, it allowed beer sales in specific fan areas. This was notable as public alcohol consumption is typically illegal in the Muslim-majority country.
State-Specific Changes
New York
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law allowing bars and restaurants to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. during the tournament. This measure standardizes closing times statewide, helping businesses benefit from increased tourism and spending linked to the World Cup.
Kansas
Kansas has expanded alcohol service hours temporally. Establishments can serve alcohol from 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. during the World Cup, offering some of the most extended operating hours in the nation.
Massachusetts
Legislators in Massachusetts have extended last call to 3 a.m. during the World Cup. They have also allowed municipalities to create designated public drinking districts related to celebrations and major events.
Missouri
Bars and restaurants in Missouri can serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. during the tournament. This change comes through a statewide exemption approved by Governor Mike Kehoe and aims to support tourism and events related to the World Cup.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia bars and restaurants can remain open two extra hours during the World Cup and America250 celebrations, under legislation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro. This takes effect from June 11 through July 20, 2026. Several Philadelphia venues have already applied for special permits to stay open until 4 a.m.
Rhode Island
Lawmakers approved legislation allowing bars and restaurants to extend their hours. Five towns and cities can extend indoor liquor licenses from June 11 to July 3, staying open until 4 a.m., with alcohol served until 3 a.m.
Washington
Expanded alcohol service areas have been authorized through special fan-zone permits. This change applies to Seattle, an official host city, and other fan-zone cities such as Tacoma, Spokane, and more, permitting indoor and outdoor alcohol sales and consumption during June and July 2026.
Georgia
Certain open-container restrictions have been relaxed, facilitating fan events and public gatherings related to World Cup festivities.
New Jersey
New Jersey has granted municipalities more flexibility to extend alcohol-service hours for World Cup events. Local officials will determine how to implement these changes.
Reasons for Changing the Laws
The tournament is set to be the largest in World Cup history, featuring 48 teams and over 100 matches across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Host cities and states hope that longer hours and relaxed rules will boost spending at bars and other venues, making it easier to manage large crowds.
Not all businesses may adopt the new rules. Factors like staffing costs, security needs, transportation, and local permitting may influence whether venues choose to stay open later than usual. The tournament kicks off on June 11 and ends with the final match on July 19.
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