Ontario Extending Last Call During FIFA World Cup 2026

Alcohol sale and service extended to 4 a.m. to support local businesses, hospitality workers and fans during global tournament

The Ontario government is allowing licensed restaurants and bars to extend the sale and service of alcohol across the province until 4 a.m. during FIFA World Cup 2026. The temporary extension will apply from June 11, 2026 to July 19, 2026.

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport. Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.” – Attorney General Doug Downey

This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. In Ontario, Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making this the largest FIFA World Cup 2026 in history.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “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.”

The Ontario government is working in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to enable the temporary extension of hours for establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol, such as bars and restaurants, for the duration of the tournament.

Quick Facts

• The last call for alcohol service in Ontario is typically 2 a.m.
• This temporary extension builds on Ontario’s experience during other major international sporting events, including when the province temporarily extended alcohol service hours to support fans during the recent 2026 Olympic gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States.
• The LCBO is extending store hours in 27 select retail stores across the GTA and Ottawa between June 11, 2026 and July 19, 2026. Extended hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Last summer, the province made an amendment to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 framework to allow alcohol sale and consumption on pedal pubs.

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2026 FIFA World Cup — Full Schedule (Confirmed Matches)

Tournament dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026. All times below are Eastern Time (ET).

GROUP STAGE MATCHES

Thursday, June 11, 2026

• Mexico vs South Africa — 3:00 PM ET — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
• South Korea vs Czechia — 10:00 PM ET — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

Friday, June 12, 2026

• Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina — 3:00 PM ET — BMO Field, Toronto
• USA vs Paraguay — 9:00 PM ET — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

Saturday, June 13, 2026

• Qatar vs Switzerland — 3:00 PM ET — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
• Brazil vs Morocco — 6:00 PM ET — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
• Haiti vs Scotland — 9:00 PM ET — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Sunday, June 14, 2026

• Germany vs Curaçao — 10:00 AM ET — NRG Stadium, Houston
• Netherlands vs Japan — 1:00 PM ET — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
• Ivory Coast vs Ecuador — 4:00 PM ET — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
• Sweden vs Tunisia — 7:00 PM ET — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey

Monday, June 15, 2026

• Spain vs Cape Verde — 9:00 AM ET — Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• Belgium vs Egypt — 12:00 PM ET — Lumen Field, Seattle
• Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay — 3:00 PM ET — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
• Iran vs New Zealand — 6:00 PM ET — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

• France vs Senegal — 12:00 PM ET — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
• Iraq vs Norway — 3:00 PM ET — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
• Argentina vs Algeria — 6:00 PM ET — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
• Austria vs Jordan — 9:00 PM ET — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

• Portugal vs DR Congo — 10:00 AM ET — NRG Stadium, Houston
• England vs Croatia — 1:00 PM ET — AT&T Stadium, Arlington
• Ghana vs Panama — Time TBA — Toronto Stadium (from FIFA schedule)

KNOCKOUT STAGE (DATES ONLY — MATCHUPS TBD)

Round of 32:

June 28 – July 3, 2026

Round of 16:

July 4 – July 7, 2026

Quarterfinals:

July 9 – July 11, 2026

Semifinals:

July 14 – July 15, 2026

Third‑Place Match:

July 18, 2026

World Cup Final:

Sunday, July 19, 2026 — 3:00 PM ET
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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Windsor City FC Hosts Cambridge United in “Build the Momentum Night” Clash

Windsor City FC returns home this Friday looking to extend its strong start to the 2026 Ontario Premier League 2 season, as they host Cambridge United in Matchweek 3 action. The match is set for Friday, May 1st at 7:30 PM at Acumen Stadium, St. Clair College.

Windsor City enters the fixture riding high after a dominant 4-0 victory over North Mississauga in their home opener. The team followed that performance with a promising showing on the road against Hamilton United, before the match was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

With that partial result, Windsor City currently sits top of the league standings heading into Matchweek 3. A victory on Friday would mark a three-game winning streak, representing the best start in club history since the formation of League1 Ontario in 2016.

However, the challenge will be significant. Cambridge United, competing in their first season in Ontario Premier League 2 after promotion from OPL 3 (formerly League2 Ontario), remain unbeaten so far. They sit third in the standings with four points and have also advanced in the OPL Cup with a first-round victory.

Friday night’s match has been dubbed “Build the Momentum Night,” as Windsor City FC calls on supporters to help set the tone for the season. Fans in attendance will have the chance to participate in a special promotion, with the first 100 attendees entered into a draw to win a season membership.

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Windsor Soccer Club Transfers Competitive District Program to Windsor TFC

Program to be rebranded as Windsor City FC to reflect unified regional identity

As part of an ongoing partnership, Windsor Soccer Club (WSC) and Windsor TFC has announced the transfer of WSC’s competitive district soccer program within the Essex County Soccer Association (ECSA) to Windsor TFC.

Effective immediately, this program will now operate under the Windsor City FC brand. This exciting development aligns with a shared vision to create a comprehensive soccer ecosystem that connects grassroots and elite levels of play under one cohesive identity.

“Windsor City FC represents the next evolution of soccer in our region. By consolidating programs under one banner, we can provide a clear and aspirational pathway for players while building a stronger and more competitive soccer community for Windsor and Essex County.” – JJ Dowhan, technical director for Windsor TFC

This transition marks an important milestone in the continued effort to unify the region’s competitive soccer structure and strengthen the player development pathway across Windsor-Essex.

Windsor Soccer Club will continue to operate its successful house league program, which has been running for 46 years at Ford Test Track. The club will also maintain its partnership with the Windsor City FC competitive program, providing house league players with opportunities to advance through the WCFC pathway.

“After many years of successfully developing young athletes, Windsor Soccer Club is proud to see our competitive program take this next step,” said president Greg Williams. “This move ensures continued growth opportunities for players, access to advanced coaching and facilities, and a clearer path toward high-performance and professional levels.”

This movement will ensure operational continuity and improved technical integration, including access to expanded training environments, enhanced coaching resources and a comprehensive performance model.

Under the Windsor City FC brand, players will benefit from a structured pathway linking youth, reserve and senior levels, up to League1 Ontario and beyond.

Angelo Verardi will continue to lead the district program (L5) as technical co-ordinator and will join the technical committee, which oversees the club’s development model.

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Ontario Upgrading McHugh Park Soccer Field in Windsor

$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities.

The Ontario government is investing $1,000,000 to provide a lower maintenance, FIFA quality artificial turf soccer field at McHugh Park in Windsor. This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“The new FIFA-quality turf at McHugh Park is a big win for Windsor—giving our local athletes more opportunities to play, grow, and compete right here at home,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “I’m proud to see our government investing directly in our community—supporting active living, bringing people together, and helping Windsor thrive.”

The project will create Windsor’s first municipally owned turf soccer field and increase the city’s ability to potentially host high-level soccer tournaments and an extend playing season for athletes to train. The project is being further supported by the City of Windsor in partnership with the Essex County Soccer Association (ECSA).

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

“The construction of Windsor’s first City-owned artificial soccer field is a landmark moment for our city,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This project will meet the growing demand for year-round soccer facilities and solidify Windsor as a premier sports destination. Having the Province at the table with the City and our partners at the Essex County Soccer Association is a wonderful development for this project. We remain committed to Building Windsor’s Future through our parks and recreation amenities that promote healthy and active living. As we move forward with strategic infrastructure projects supporting quality of life, growth and sustainability, we are grateful to Premier Ford, Minister Lumsden, MPP Dowie, and the provincial government for the continued investments in our community as part of a robust plan to strengthen, enhance, and protect Ontario.”

The project end date is expected to be in the fall of 2025.

QUICK FACTS

• The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations, through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
• Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
• Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.

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