Switzerland allows 24‑hour restaurant service for World Cup ‘White Night’ match

Swiss cantonal and municipal authorities granted an exception for cafés, restaurants and bars to operate throughout the night of July 11‑12, permitting them to stay open without time limits and to broadcast the World Cup 2026 round‑of‑16 match between Switzerland and Argentina. The match in Kansas City will begin at 03:00 local time (04:00 Greek time). The decision was taken in Geneva, Jura, Basel‑Landschaft, as well as the cities of Lausanne, Sion, Sierre and Zurich, which also declared the night a “White Night”. Operators must observe public‑order measures and ensure their activities do not cause disturbances.

The match marks Switzerland’s first appearance in the World Cup quarter‑finals since 1954, prompting the authorities to accommodate the expected surge of fans and enthusiasm by allowing unrestricted night‑time service.