The FIFA World Cup 2026™ has kicked off, with the opening match on SBS topping the national television ratings on 14 June and filling pubs and bars around the country.

Around 4.78 million Australians watched the match in record numbers, as the Socceroos’ 2-0 victory over Türkiye attracted an average audience of 3.035 million across linear television and digital streaming, with 41.4% tuning in through SBS On Demand.

The Brazil versus Morocco match on Sunday was in seventh place on the most-watched list (1.846 million reach), with the Haiti versus Scotland match in ninth place (1.501 million reach). Across the first three days of the tournament, SBS achieved a total TV reach of 8.139 million.

The biggest World Cup tournament in history is being played over six weeks, with 104 matches until 19 July 2026.

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

The Daily Telegraph has reported that pubs are set for a “World Cup windfall”, with the tournament expected to attracted record crowds.

Sackville Hotel General Manager Oban Seex estimated the pub would pour 4000 schooners for the Australia, Scotland and England matches over the weekend.

Over in Mascot, the Newmarket Hotel was also packed with cheering fans.

Venues across Australia are screening 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.”

Here are Australia’s two remaining Group Stage matches and times:

• 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

Pictured main: Fans watching the Australia v Türkiye match at Hopscotch Melbourne.