24-hour Metro and early trading for Socceroos fan frenzy
Thursday, 2 July 2026
Football fans and hospitality businesses will embrace green and gold World Cup fever Saturday morning, with the Minns Labor Government running 24-hour transport and early trading hours for the 4am Socceroos vs Egypt match.
The public transport uplifts on Saturday morning will deliver cheap and safe travel to the official live sites at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour and Cathy Freeman Park at Homebush, this includes:
- Increased Metro services from 1:30am to 5am with services every 20 minutes and then the normal 10-minute service intervals after that.
- Sydney Trains will commence early city bound services from Leppington at 2:00am, Penrith at 2:10am, Hornsby (via Chatswood and Epping) at 2:34am, Macarthur at 2:15am and services between Lidcombe and Olympic Park commencing at 3am.
- Light rail services will commence over two hours earlier with L1, L2 and L3 all commencing service at 2:30am.
Venues that screen the game will also have extended trading hours, with pubs, bars and clubs allowed to open from 3 am right across New South Wales.
Eligible venues will also be able to remain open if they are authorised to trade until 1am or 2am, meaning those venues won’t need to briefly close and then reopen to take advantage of the extended trading initiative.
This follows the success of the first introduction of 24-hour transport and extended trading hours for this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras which saw an additional 60,000 public transport trips into the city, and a 46% increase in night-time spending.
For more information and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“I can’t wait to see the trains and the footy fans come alive so early. Moments like this take us a step closer to being a truly 24-hour economy.
“This will be a big win for football fans, public transport and our hospitality operators.
“As we’ve seen with New Year’s Eve and the Mardis Gras, 24-hour public transport combined with extended trading hours is a great combination for vibrancy, trading and safety.
“We will continue to provide extra public transport for Sydney’s biggest nights, including the next World Cup stage when we win on Saturday morning!”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Tumbalong Park and Cathy Freeman Park have already proven themselves as outstanding World Cup live sites, with thousands of fans turning out to soak up the atmosphere, and this Saturday morning will be no different.
“Public spaces like these exist for moments exactly like this one. Whether it is 4am or 4pm, we want Sydneysiders and visitors alike to be able to gather, celebrate and make the most of the city around them.”
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“The Socceroos have captured the imagination of fans across NSW , and we’re making it easier than ever for people to come together and support the team.
“These are the moments that remind us why sport matters. It brings communities together, fills our venues with energy and gives local businesses a welcome boost.
“Wherever you’re watching from this Saturday morning, let’s get behind the green and gold.”
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“FIFA World Cup fever that is sweeping our state will kick on this Saturday with more footy fans expected to pack pubs, clubs and bars across NSW and the two Sydney live sites to catch the Socceroos must-win match.
“These extended trading hours are providing a vital boost to our hospitality industry, supporting the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a safe, vibrant and responsible night-time economy.” Football Australia CEO Martin Kugeler said:
“Football Australia is grateful for the support of the NSW Government in providing live sites during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This has allowed our passionate and dedicated fans to come together with friends and family to cheer on Australia’s CommBank Socceroos.
“These extended trading hours and transport measures will create an amazing festival atmosphere that only football can deliver.”
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:
“Business Sydney welcomes the additional public transport services for the Socceroos match this Saturday, ensuring fans can travel to and from the World Cup live sites safely, efficiently and with confidence.
“Major sporting events whether local or international bring energy to our city and deliver a significant boost to Sydney’s economy. Reliable public transport is essential to helping more people enjoy these international events at live sites while supporting local businesses and the visitor economy.” Night Time
Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb said:
“Socceroos fans can be grateful that they’ll have one less thing to think about in the early hours of the morning, with the transport situation covered off by the NSW Government.
“For venues, this announcement means they can open with greater confidence that an army of green and gold Socceroos fans will stream through their doors.
“It’s fantastic to see the Government keep up the momentum after the successful trial of 24 hour transportation during Mardi Gras by rolling it out for another great moment that brings people together.” 02 7225 6000 52 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 3
