SOMERVILLE, MA — Residents and businesses will have new opportunities to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the City is allowing extended operating hours for local establishments during the tournament and launching its first-ever community soccer competition.
The initiative, announced by Mayor Jake Wilson and city officials, is designed to help local businesses capitalize on World Cup interest while creating opportunities for residents to celebrate the tournament together.
The World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans across North America this summer as the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly host the tournament. The 2026 competition is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest in FIFA history. Boston is among the U.S. host cities selected for tournament matches, bringing World Cup activity to the region throughout the summer.
“There's always a hum of energy in the air in Somerville during the World Cup, and with the tournament taking place so close to home, that excitement is only going to grow. We want to make sure our local businesses and community are a part of it," Wilson said. "By making it easier to request extended operating hours, we're helping create more places for people to gather, cheer, commiserate, and enjoy the tournament together."
Councilor-at-Large Will Mbah spoke about the significance of the World Cup and the role soccer plays in bringing communities together.
“Growing up in Cameroon, the World Cup was more than a tournament. It was a source of pride, joy, and national unity,” Mbah said. “Today as an elected official, I see those same values reflected in our communities—people from every background coming together around a common purpose.”
One of the city's major initiatives during the tournament period is the creation of SomerCup 2026, a community soccer tournament co-hosted by Somerville Recreation and the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs. The tournament will be open to both youth and adult players and will take place at Dilboy Stadium on 110 Alewife Brook Parkway. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Residents may register individually or as part of a team consisting of eight to 10 players. Registration will remain open through June 26.
The tournament schedule includes a youth division for students in kindergarten through fourth grade on July 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Adult competition for participants 18 and older is scheduled for July 13 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additional youth divisions for students in grades five through eight and grades nine through 12 will compete on July 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The city is also taking steps to make it easier for residents to watch matches locally throughout the World Cup.
Between June 11 and July 19, Somerville bars, cafes, and restaurants currently licensed will be eligible for extended operating hours. Under the temporary approval, businesses may operate between 9 a.m. and 3 a.m., with alcohol service permitted from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. Businesses must already possess the appropriate liquor licenses in order to serve alcohol during those hours.
The extended hours are intended to accommodate customers before and after World Cup matches and help create additional gathering spaces throughout the city.
Businesses seeking extended operating hours must submit requests through the city's online application system at least 24 hours before the requested date. City officials noted there is no limit on the number of dates establishments may request.
Additional information about SomerCup registration, local watch parties, and future World Cup-related events can be found online.
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