New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday a law that allows bars and restaurants in the state to stay open until 4:00 a.m. during the 2026 World Cup.

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The new regulation allows establishments licensed for on-premises consumption to sell alcoholic beverages until that time from June 11 to July 20, 2026.

“From the opening whistle to the end of the tournament, bars and restaurants across the state will be able to remain open, bringing New Yorkers together to celebrate every goal and supporting small businesses throughout the region,” Hochul stated in a release.

In that sense, the governor said that her goal is for “all New Yorkers and local businesses to be part of the action and the celebration, without the need for a ticket.”

New York prepares for the start of the World Cup

The first match of the tournament, which pits the national teams of Mexico and South Africa against each other, will be played this Thursday at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

In turn, the first soccer match to be played in the neighboring state of New Jersey will be on June 13th and will turn New York into the base of operations for thousands of international fans.

The New York/New Jersey host venue will host eight World Cup matches at the MetLife stadium: Brazil vs. Morocco on June 13; France vs. Senegal on June 16; Norway vs. Senegal on June 22; Ecuador vs. Germany on the 25th of that month; Panama vs. England on the 27th, a round of 32 match, a round of 16 match, and the final, which will be on July 19.