Extend opening hours in hospitality industry with World Cup

Royal Catering Association encourages municipalities to be flexible

During the 2026 World Cup, many matches will be played late in the evening or even at night due to the time difference. 48 municipalities (14%) are already showing hospitality towards residents and catering entrepreneurs by allowing extended opening hours. Koninklijke Horeca Nederland calls on even more municipalities to follow this example.

Our World Cup map shows the municipalities in which hospitality guests can watch the entire World Cup match, as hospitality outlets are allowed to stay open. There are currently 37 municipalities (11%) that are sympathetic to extended opening hours, but have yet to make a formal decision. With the municipal elections just behind us, we hope more final decisions will follow.

Link to map

Extended opening hours municipalities World Cup 2026 - Extended opening hours municipalities World Cup 2026

"Hospitality is pre-eminently the place for connection. During the World Cup, the sense of togetherness is further enhanced. We are therefore pleased that the first municipalities facilitate get-togethers during this World Cup and want to make an exception for this. With this card, we hope that the new municipal administrations will also become World Cup-proof and entrepreneurs will be able to say to football-viewing citizens: come and join us!”, said KHN president Marijke Vuik.

Interactive World Cup map from KHN

Koninklijke Horeca Nederland is hoping for growing willingness from municipalities. We therefore drafted a standard letter for our members earlier this week so that they can also request municipalities to extend opening hours themselves. We will monitor whether the map turns greener in the run-up to the World Cup.