Amsterdam extends bars’ opening hours for FIFA World Cup

Amsterdam bars will be permitted to extend their opening hours during the June–July World Cup so they can show matches, Mayor Femke Halsema has told the city council. The relaxed rules will cover not only games featuring the Netherlands, but also fixtures involving other national teams.

Because the World Cup is taking place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, matches will be scheduled late in the evening and night for viewers in the Netherlands. The Dutch national team’s group games on June 14, 20, and 26 kick off at 10 p.m., 7 p.m., and 1 a.m. local time in the Netherlands. Should the Dutch team reach the knockout rounds, kick-off times could be as late as 3:00 a.m. local time.

In response to questions from the VVD, Halsema said that hospitality venues will be allowed to remain open later on an exceptional basis to show World Cup games. This comes with strict conditions: once the normal closing time of around 1:00–2:00 a.m. has passed, no additional guests may enter, and any extended opening must be notified to the city at least three days beforehand.

Halsema further informed DENK and the PvdA that the city will not provide public big screens for outdoor viewing of the matches, following earlier questions from the parties. She said it is the responsibility of hospitality businesses to set up such screens, although interest is typically limited because it requires an event permit and significant preparation in advance.

Terrace closing times remain unchanged under Amsterdam’s current hospitality policy. During the summer period, terraces must close by 01 a.m. on weekdays and 02 a.m. on weekends.

Halsema underlined that it is up to business owners to ensure that nearby residents are not affected by excessive disruption. She added that permits or exemptions can be withdrawn if there is a severe or ongoing noise nuisance.

Amsterdam is among a small number of municipalities taking the initiative to ease regulations. An inventory found that just 48 of the Netherlands’ 342 municipalities, around 14%, had formally approved extended opening hours for the 2026 World Cup last month. The Royal Dutch Hospitality Association (KHN) is urging other cities to adopt similar measures.