The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest tournament in history, played over six weeks, with 104 matches from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

More than six billion people are expected to engage with the World Cup globally, with football fans forecast to drink an additional one billion pints of beer during the tournament.

But will time zone differences get in the way of Aussie fans drinking schooners in pubs, clubs and bars while they watch the matches?

The tournament will commence with the opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Friday, with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa kicking off at 5am AEST on 12 June.

Not exactly beer o’clock.

However, venues across Australia are planning to screen games throughout the tournament, with the NSW and Western Australian Governments extending trading hours to give football fans the opportunity to watch with a crowd instead of the couch.

Pubs, clubs and bars across NSW can operate extended hours when they broadcast Australian group stage matches, all the knockout rounds (16 and 32) and the finals.

There are also two free public live sites operating in Sydney during the tournament: Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour and Cathy Freeman Park at Sydney Olympic Park.

Australian Hotels Association NSW Director of Policy Chris Gatfield said: “Sydney is a vibrant, international city. There are a lot of football fans here, both homegrown and visiting from overseas, and the extended hours mean they won’t miss a moment of the action.

“We’re particularly pleased hotels will also be able to apply to trade earlier or later for the group matches through an application process.

“Get out of the cold and into a venue – there’s no better place to watch the World Cup than down at the local with your mates.”

Western Australian football fans will be able to catch every moment of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with licensed venues able to apply for extended trading hours throughout the tournament.

WA Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti said: “The World Cup is one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar and we want Western Australians to be a part of the action from the first whistle to the last.

“Whether it’s a 10pm kick-off or a 2am match, fans will have more opportunities to support their team alongside fellow football lovers in venues across the state.

“This will not only create vibrancy across our hospitality venues but will support Western Australia’s economy and local jobs.”

As for cheering on the Socceroos, fans will need to wait until 14 June for their first match.

According to ABC News: “Australia is considered a massive outsider to win the World Cup, which is understandable considering the Socceroos have only got out of their group twice in history and never beyond the first knockout stage.”

That won’t stop loyal fans cheering them on. Here are Australia’s Group Stage matches and times:

• Australia vs Türkiye: Saturday June 13, 9pm Pacific Time, BC Place, Vancouver
  • 2pm AEST/ 1:30pm ACST/ 12pm AWST, Sunday June 14
• Australia vs USA: Friday June 19, 12pm Pacific Time, Seattle Stadium
  • 5am AEST/ 4:30am ACST/ 3am AWST, Saturday June 20
• Australia vs Paraguay: Thursday June 25, 7pm Pacific Time, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
  • 12pm AEST/ 11:30am ACST/ 10am AWST, Friday, June 26

Rabobank beverage analyst Bourcard Nesin said the World Cup should provide a boost for the drinks industry.

“The World Cup will increase consumption of beer, wine and spirits without question,” Nesin told CNN. “It’s a big boost for them at a time when they need it in a market where they need it most. The question is how much of a boost is enough?”