Football fans around Australia will be able to watch the Socceroos battle Egypt early Saturday morning with all states allowing measures of extended trading, including a late throw-in by Queensland.
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest and most watched sporting event on the planet, with 48 nations competing in 2026 in matches being played in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
Having made it through their group stage the Socceroos have now advanced to the first knockout round – for only the third time – and are scheduled to play Egypt, kicking off at 4am (AEST) on Saturday.
This week a new licensed venue trial was announced for Queensland, permitting pubs and clubs across the state to extend trading hours and open between 3am and 7am on game day.
Venues must be open for the primary purpose of broadcasting the Socceroos game and must be approved in advance by the OLGR (Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation).
Minister for Justice and Integrity, Deb Frecklington, says the decision is about making it easier for people to get together.
“We’ve found a way through and taken a practical approach so our pubs and community clubs can open and create a great game-day experience for fans right across the state.”
Applications must be submitted to OLGR by 2pm Thursday, 2 July. Venues with outstanding issues regarding licensing or fees will not be approved. More information on the regulator’s website.
The Queensland Hotel Association (QHA) has welcomed the announcement as a first move in reforming the state’s outdated trading restrictions, written more than 35 years ago.
“There’s something wonderful about that instant camaraderie that happens when people unite in a shared moment,” says QHA chief executive Bernie Hogan.
“That is why we’ve been advocating for Queensland’s pubs, bars and licensed venues to be allowed to open their doors to football fans right across the state – from the big, inner-city sports bars to the small, regional pubs.”
Hogan adds this trial should serve as practice for Queensland pubs operating in a 24/7 economy and be the first of many ahead of international sporting juggernaut the Olympic and Paralympic Games, taking place in Brisbane in 2032, suggesting the only meaningful changes to licensing has been to “heap on more restrictions”.
“It’s not about consumption or compliance – our venues are as safe at 4am as they are at 4pm – it’s about choice. It’s about giving venue operators across the state the chance to throw open their doors and trade.”
The Queensland government also announced this week it had acquired two major events as part pf the Socceroos’ World Cup homecoming series, in friendly exhibition matches against Brazil.
In New South Wales the Minns government has slated extended trading hours for licensed pubs, clubs and bars statewide during the FIFA World Cup.
Extended trading applies automatically and no application is required, provided venues show broadcast Australian group stage matches, the knockout rounds and finals.
Special event extended trading permits longer liquor trading hours across NSW for events of regional, state, or national significance. It is part of the government’s initiative allowing venues to trade outside regular times during major cultural and sporting events, which is one of several measures bolstering the night-time economy through the broader Vibrancy Reforms.
Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris, says it should be a boost to the hospitality industry, being “a key pillar” of the night-time economy.
“With many World Cup games screening in the early hours of the morning, this is a great opportunity for fans to get together at their local pub or club, get behind the Socceroos and hopefully celebrate some big wins.”
In Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia venues can apply for licences for extended trading hours for special events through the appropriate government channels. Each state has its own regulations on applications and eligibility. Victoria. South Australia. Western Australia.
In the ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania venues can apply for an out-of-hours permit for trading after midnight; those in the ACT can be permitted to stay open until 5am. Some conditions may apply, including the consumption of alcohol confined to inside the premises or operating CCTV.
