Canberrans are being encouraged to support local businesses while cheering on the Socceroos during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with venues across the ACT – including a live site at the University of Canberra Refectory – set to bring the community together for every match.
With food and beverages on offer for all three of the Socceroos Group stage games, the UC live site will allow the community to come together, celebrate and back Australia on football's biggest stage.
Many local pubs, clubs and venues, will also be showing the matches and creating great community atmosphere to support the Socceroos and enjoy the tournament. It's a great opportunity to back local businesses while experiencing the excitement of the World Cup.
Venues across the ACT can take advantage of declared 'special events', which automatically extend liquor licence trading hours when there is an important event for Canberrans. The opening and closing ceremonies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been declared special events, with hours extended until 2am on Saturday 13 June and 2am on Tuesday 21 July. As has the Australia vs USA match enabling licensed venues to open from 5:00am on Saturday 20 June to responsibly support patrons in viewing this significant fixture.
Together, the UC live site and extended trading hours for venues across the city will allow fans to connect and celebrate together while also supporting the local economy.
The Socceroos will play their Group stage games on Sunday 14 June at 2.00pm, Saturday 20 June at 5.00am and Friday 26 June at 12.00pm local time.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"The indoor live site at the University of Canberra will create a safe and inclusive atmosphere for football fans to enjoy Socceroos games in the World Cup.
"We're also encouraging fans to support the many local venues hosting watch parties across the city during the tournament."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry:
"Canberra is a city that truly loves its sport, and when it comes to football, our passion runs from grassroots communities right through to the international stage.
"Football has the highest rates of participation in Canberra and continues to grow, with strong local clubs, and a proud history of supporting the Socceroos. With two local players there is even more reason to get out and support this World Cup.
"A live site at UC gives fans the chance to come together, celebrate the game and show just how strong Canberra's football spirit really is."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Night-Time Economy, Tara Cheyne:
"Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup are a fantastic opportunity to get together with family, friends and other fans, at one of the many venues across the ACT.
"We know big moments like Socceroos matches bring people together, and extending trading hours for special events allows local venues to make the most of that increased demand.
"The Government is committed to backing our local businesses and creating opportunities to celebrate and share in these major global moments."
