The 2026 FIFA World Cup for men is played in the USA, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Sweden participates in the tournament, and due to the time difference, several matches are broadcast late at night or early in the morning Swedish time. The Swedish premiere against Tunisia on June 15 starts at 04:00 Swedish time, according to multiple reports.
Stockholm's stance on extended serving hours appears contradictory. On one hand, the Social Democrats have rejected extended hours beyond 05:00, according to Emilia Bjuggren (S). On the other hand, Stockholm's socialnämnd voted unanimously for a temporary rule change allowing opening until 08:00 between June 11 and 14, according to Socialnämnden. The Stockholm decision will be officially approved in fullmäktige in May, according to multiple reports. This discrepancy suggests that while a general rejection exists, a specific exception for the World Cup period may be in place.
Region Gotland has temporarily extended serving hours during the World Cup, allowing serving until 08:00 when Sweden plays, subject to individual application review, according to Region Gotland. The decision to extend serving hours was made by Ragnar Gustavii (M), chair of the environmental and building committee, on delegation of the committee, according to Region Gotland. Under normal rules, alcohol may be served between 11:00 and 01:00, and previously the latest permitted serving time was 03:00, according to official sources. Extended serving hours beyond 03:00 may be granted in exceptional cases after special review, and such possibility is now given during the World Cup, according to Region Gotland. A decision on further extension may be linked to special conditions, such as extra security guards or other preventive measures, according to Region Gotland.
Gävle kommun's social committee has proposed an initiative to allow restaurants and other serving establishments to be open during matches, according to Gävle kommun. The initiative has been sent to the police and the municipal environmental and health protection unit for their opinions before the new temporary rules can take effect, according to Gävle kommun. If the initiative passes, establishments with a valid serving permit can apply to serve alcohol until 07:00 to show World Cup matches, according to Gävle kommun. If the initiative passes, guests can be received without a requirement for pre-booking, according to Gävle kommun. If the initiative passes, serving is allowed without a requirement for food in connection with matches, provided the food requirement in the Alcohol Act is removed on June 1, according to Gävle kommun. A final decision on extended serving hours in Gävle is expected during week 17 or 18, according to Gävle kommun. Gävle kommun recommends that establishments wait to apply for extended serving hours until further information is provided, according to Gävle kommun.
Other municipalities have also responded. Moderaterna and Miljöpartiet in Göteborg have opened up for extending serving permits during the World Cup, according to Moderaterna and Miljöpartiet in Göteborg. Göteborg proposes temporary permits until 06:00, according to Klara Holmin (MP). Socialdemokraterna in Växjö are positive to extended hours and will review the matter, according to Arijeta Rechi (S). Eight restaurants in Strängnäs and Mariefred have been granted extended outdoor serving until midnight from April to October, according to multiple reports. Örebro's Bygg- och miljönämnd is expected to adopt temporary guidelines for extended hours from June 11 to July 19, according to Elisabeth Malmqvist (C). Örebro will consider order, safety, and disturbance risk; police will be involved and security guards may be required, according to Elisabeth Malmqvist (C). Extended hours in Örebro do not apply to nightclubs or venues with live performances, according to multiple reports. Borås Tidning has produced a proposal for extended serving permits, according to multiple reports.
In Norway, the prime minister has opened for a law change regarding serving hours during the World Cup, according to multiple reports.