New York Extends Bar Hours and Plans Central Park Watch Party for 2026 World Cup Final

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation letting New York State bars and restaurants serve alcohol until 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 20, 2026, the period of the FIFA World Cup. Hochul said the change will let “all New Yorkers and local businesses be part of the celebration without needing a ticket.”

The city also announced a free public watch party in Central Park for the tournament’s final on July 19, slated to host up to 50,000 spectators. Attendees must enter a lottery that opens on June 11, with 20 % of the tickets reserved for youth soccer groups, community organizations and nonprofits. Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the event “100 % free” and aimed at making the final accessible to working‑class fans. The final will be played at nearby MetLife Stadium, one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup in New York/New Jersey.