With the World Cup drawing nearer and matches set to take place across the US, Mexico and Canada, New York is preparing for late nights as fans gather to watch the tournament.
During huge sporting events, it is common for licensing rules to be adjusted so supporters can stay out longer to catch the action live.
That usually means packed bars, celebrations after major victories, and plenty of commiseration when teams crash out.
In New York, drinkers will have extra time throughout the competition, as venues across the state are being allowed to serve alcohol until 4am every night.
The measure was approved on Tuesday, June 9, and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the new law, on-premises licensees can sell alcoholic beverages until 4am from June 11, 2026 through July 20, 2026, giving bars, restaurants and taverns a temporary statewide closing-time standard during the tournament.
Ordinarily, last orders can differ depending on where you are in the state, but this temporary rule creates a single standard for licensed premises that want to stay open later. The extension applies to on-premises businesses such as bars and restaurants, rather than opening up public drinking more generally.
The change starts on Thursday, June 11, the same day Mexico face South Africa in the opening fixture. FIFA’s 2026 tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, with the final set to be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.
Announcing the news, Governor of New York Kathy Hochul said in a statement:
“The World Cup is coming to New York and I want every New Yorker and local business to be part of the action and celebration, no ticket required.
“From the first kick to the last whistle, bars and restaurants across our state can stay open throughout the tournament, bringing New Yorkers together to cheer on every goal and supporting small businesses across the state.”
Lily M. Fan, chair of the New York State Liquor Authority, also welcomed the decision, saying:
“New York’s restaurants, bars, taverns and hospitality businesses will play an important role in welcoming fans from around the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This legislation gives local businesses a clear, temporary framework to serve visitors during this once-in-a-generation event.”
The new law also builds on a separate World Cup one-day permit announced by the State Liquor Authority, designed to let event organizers host off-site and expanded outdoor activations during the tournament.
Even with the extended hours, supporters in New York will still need to follow the state’s alcohol laws during the tournament.
One of the key rules is the open container law, which means fans cannot assume they can walk around drinking just because bars are staying open later. In New York City, drinking alcohol in public places such as streets and sidewalks, or possessing an open container with the intent to drink there, is prohibited. Separate rules also generally ban alcohol consumption in parks and other public recreational spaces unless specifically permitted.
Visitors should also remember that the legal drinking age across the US is 21, which may catch out travelling fans from countries where alcohol can legally be bought at 18. Licensed businesses can still refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated or unable to provide valid proof of age.
For New York businesses, the move is also expected to create a commercial boost during what FIFA has billed as the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams taking part and 104 matches scheduled across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The player list included in the original source is below:
1 – Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
24 – Matt Freese (New York City FC)
25 – Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
2 – Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
3 – Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
5 – Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
6 – Auston Trusty (Celtic)
12 – Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
13 – Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) – captain
16 – Alex Freeman (Villarreal)
18 – Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
22 – Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
23 – Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
4 – Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth)
7 – Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
8 – Weston McKennie (Juventus)
10 – Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
11 – Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
14 – Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
15 – Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
17 – Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
21 – Timothy Weah (Marseille)
26 – Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
9 – Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
19 – Haji Wright (Coventry City)
20 – Folarin Balogun (Monaco)