Soccer-Ontario delays 'last orders' during World Cup

Licensed restaurants and bars in ​Ontario will be allowed ​to stay open later ‌during the ​World Cup after its government agreed on Tuesday to extend the sale of alcohol ‌across the Canadian province until 4 a.m. The provincial capital Toronto's BMO Field will host six matches, including Canada's opening game with Bosnia ‌on June 12, and the temporary extension will apply from ‌June 11 until July 19, the day of the World Cup final.

"Extending last call during the World Cup will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant ⁠and ​welcoming experience for ⁠fans from around the world," Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho ⁠said in a statement. "As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this ​measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class ⁠bars and restaurants while supporting the province's tourism sector."

Ontario's last call for ⁠alcohol ​service is usually 2 a.m. and the province previously temporarily extended alcohol service hours in February, with bars opening earlier ⁠to allow fans watch the men's ice hockey final between Canada ⁠and the United ⁠States at the Winter Olympics. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S. begins ‌on June ‌11.