The Socceroos’ run may be over, but the FIFA World Cup is far from finished – with around 10 days of finals football still to come. And with the Sydney Marathon following in August, businesses across the city have plenty of reasons to open early.
At its June meeting, Council declared both the FIFA World Cup and the Sydney Marathon special events, unlocking extended trading hours so eligible businesses can open early.
FIFA World Cup
With games kicking off in the early hours, non-licensed businesses can open early to serve fans out watching the football. Extended trading applies to eligible premises across the City of Sydney for the remaining World Cup games, with permitted opening times matched to each day’s fixtures:
- Saturday 11 July – from 4am
- Sunday 12 July – from 12.01am
- Wednesday 15 July – from 4am
- Thursday 16 July – from 4am
- Sunday 19 July – from 6am
- Monday 20 July – from 4am
With more than half of our local population having both parents born overseas, the World Cup brings together people from the more than 200 nations who call our area home.
Sydney Marathon
The 2026 Sydney Marathon starts at 6.15am on Sunday 30 August and draws around 50,000 runners, along with even more spectators lining the course to cheer them on.
Eligible businesses in Sydney, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Paddington – the suburbs along the route – can open from 4am, so participants and visitors can grab a bite or a coffee before and during the race.
It’s a chance for local businesses to make the most of the crowds, welcome visitors to the area and share in the atmosphere of one of the city’s biggest days on the running calendar.
Who’s eligible
Restaurants, cafés, shops and takeaway food and drink outlets are all eligible. The extended hours will apply automatically and businesses already permitted to trade beyond these hours can continue as usual.
“The FIFA World Cup and the Sydney Marathon bring enormous energy to our city, and these extended hours let businesses meet that demand, welcome visitors and share in the excitement,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
For more details, contact the City of Sydney’s business, creative and nightlife concierge on 02 9265 9909 or businesscreativenightlifeconcierge@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Published 10 July 2026
