Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Friday, April 10, 2026, 7:59 p.m. / Updated Friday, April 10, 2026, 8:07 p.m.
It is currently illegal to serve alcoholic beverages in Norway after 3am. However, the authorities in Oslo have decided to react to the night broadcast times of the 2026 World Cup matches and plan to make an exception for the venues that will show the matches of the tournament taking place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. The proposal sparked controversial reactions among residents.
The sale of alcohol at night will be allowed not only in the center, but also in premises outside it, which were originally excluded from the proposal. Bars will have to demonstrate that they regularly broadcast World Championship matches.
Oslo changes alcohol law for World Cup
Current Norwegian regulations are among the strictest in Europe. Alcohol with a concentration of more than 4.7 percent can be bought in shops until 6:00 p.m., the weakest until 8:00 p.m., and in restaurants and bars it is served until 3 a.m. at the latest. But Oslo's so-called soccer pubs will be able to apply for permission to continue selling alcohol.
The idea of running the city of Oslo, however, runs counter to the views of the majority of the Norwegian public. According to a survey published at the end of March by the newspaper Aftenposten, 49 percent of residents oppose the nightly sale of alcohol during the World Cup, while 42 percent of respondents support it.
The municipality's decision must be confirmed at the end of April by the city council.
The Norwegian national team, which returns to the World Championship after 28 years, will debut in the tournament with a match against Iraq. The match will take place on June 17 in Boston at midnight Norwegian time.
Six days later, at two o'clock in the morning, Norway will play at the stadium in New Jersey against Senegal. The third duel in the group stage, against France, is scheduled for June 26 at 21:00 in Kansas City.
