Ontario is preparing for a busy summer as the province loosens last call rules during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Credit: City of Toronto
Licensed bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 19, 2026, a temporary change from the usual 2 a.m. cutoff. The province says the move is meant to help businesses and accommodate the expected influx of visitors.
Attorney General Doug Downey framed the decision as part of a broader effort to capture the energy around the tournament. With fans arriving from around the world, he said, longer hours give people more time to take part in the atmosphere while supporting local jobs and businesses.
The 2026 tournament will be the largest in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams across Canada, the United States and Mexico. In Ontario, Toronto is set to host six matches at Toronto Stadium, making it a focal point for visitors during the event.
Tourism Minister Stan Cho said the extended hours are intended to balance celebration with safety, while also giving a boost to the hospitality sector. The province expects restaurants and bars to play a central role in how visitors experience the games off the field.
The change is being implemented in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which oversees licensed establishments.
Retail hours are also being adjusted. The LCBO will extend operating times at 27 stores in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa over the same period. Those locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and until 8 p.m. on Sundays.
The city of Toronto is hosting a free Fan festival from June 11 to July 19 at Fort York and The Bentway.