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By Marni Rose McFall
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just a day away from kick off. And there’s good news for football fans as several U.S. states are extending bar hours and loosening alcohol restrictions ahead of the tournament.
The World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19, is expected to attract millions of visitors to North America. In response, lawmakers across the country have approved temporary measures allowing later last calls, expanded drinking districts and special fan-zone alcohol permits.
Changing alcohol laws has happened before in countries hosting the World Cup. Qatar, which held the tournament in 2022, allowed beer sales in specific fan zones, despite the fact that it is a Muslim-majority country where public consumption of alcohol is usually illegal.
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Here are states changing alcohol laws for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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New York
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation allowing bars and restaurants across New York to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. throughout the tournament.
The measure temporarily standardizes closing times across the state and is intended to help businesses capitalize on increased tourism and World Cup-related spending.
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Kansas
Kansas has temporarily expanded alcohol service hours during the tournament.
Bars and restaurants will be permitted to serve alcohol from 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. during the World Cup period, creating some of the longest operating hours in the country.
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Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers approved extending last call to 3 a.m. during the World Cup period.
The legislation also allows municipalities to establish designated public drinking districts linked to World Cup celebrations and other major events.
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Missouri
Bars and restaurants in Missouri will be allowed to serve alcohol from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. from June 11 to July 19, thanks to a statewide exemption signed by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
The temporary measure applies statewide and is intended to support World Cup-related tourism and events.
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Pennsylvania
Philadelphia bars and restaurants will be allowed to stay open two extra hours during the FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations under legislation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro.
The change will be in effect from June 11 through July 20, 2026, and enables participating venues to serve alcohol later than normally permitted.
Dozens of Philadelphia establishments have already applied for special permits that would allow them to remain open until 4 a.m. during the tournament.
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Rhode Island
Lawmakers in Rhode Island have approved legislation allowing bar and restaurant hours to be extended.
The proposal will give five towns and cities the option to extend indoor liquor licenses between June 11 and July 3. Participating establishments can stay open until 4 a.m., with alcohol being served until 3 a.m.
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Washington
Washington has authorized expanded alcohol service areas for the FIFA World Cup through special fan-zone permits, allowing alcohol service in designated public spaces beyond normal restrictions.
Seattle, an official host city, and designated fan-zone cities including Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, Everett, Olympia/Lacey, Yakima, Bremerton, Bellingham and the Tri-Cities may permit expanded indoor and outdoor alcohol sales and consumption areas during June and July 2026.
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Georgia
Georgia has relaxed certain open-container restrictions tied to World Cup festivities, making it easier for host communities to organize fan events and public gatherings.
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New Jersey
New Jersey has approved measures giving municipalities greater flexibility to extend alcohol-service hours and accommodate World Cup-related events.
Local officials will determine how those powers are used during the tournament.
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Why Are States Changing Their Laws?
The World Cup is expected to be the largest in the competition's history, featuring 48 teams and more than 100 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Host cities and surrounding states are hoping extended hours and relaxed regulations will encourage spending at bars, restaurants and fan festivals, while making it easier to accommodate large crowds.
Not every business is expected to take advantage of the new rules. Staffing costs, security requirements, transportation concerns and local permitting regulations could all affect whether venues choose to remain open later than usual.
The tournament begins on June 11 and concludes with the World Cup final on July 19.
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