Hold on to your drink: Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill on June 8 to extend last call in Massachusetts until 3 a.m. for the duration of the 2026 World Cup.
The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Carole Fiola, D-Fall River, Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, and Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, allows bars and restaurants in the state to serve alcohol until 3 a.m. It also legalizes public drinking in locally designated areas.
Healey said the measures will support the local economy as the state experiences a surge of visitors.
The bill’s provisions are only temporary, however: they will expire on July 31.
“I’ve said for years that Massachusetts has a ‘fun’ problem, so I am delighted to see Governor Healey sign legislation to bring some much-needed conviviality to our summer,” Cyr said in a statement. “With scores of visitors set to descend on the Commonwealth, this simple change sends the clear message that we’re ready to make the most out of an unforgettable summer. Let’s show the world that we truly do know how to have a good time in Massachusetts. Cheers!”
Municipalities can choose whether to opt-in to the temporary pilot. The Worcester License Commission, for example, is set to vote on it June 11.
World Cup parties throughout the state
The bill is just one of the ways the Healey administration is promoting the World Cup. Massachusetts is also giving out $10 million in grants to support World Cup fan celebrations and other community watch party events across the state.
The city of Boston is hosting a free fan festival and offering grants of up to $750 for residents and neighborhood groups who want to host block parties.
When is the World Cup in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is hosting seven World Cup 2026 matches at Gillette Stadium, rebranded to Boston Stadium for the tournament. The first one is Saturday, June 13.
Here are all of the games:
- June 13, 2026 (9 p.m. ET): Haiti vs. Scotland
- June 16, 2026 (6 p.m. ET): Iraq vs. Norway
- June 19, 2026 (6 p.m. ET): Scotland vs. Morocco
- June 23, 2026 (4 p.m. ET): England vs. Ghana
- June 26, 2026 (3 p.m. ET): Norway vs. France
- June 29, 2026 (4:30 p.m. ET): Round of 32 (Group E Winner vs. Group A/B/C/D/F Third Place)
- July 9, 2026 (4 p.m. ET): Quarterfinals
