The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off July 20th, running through August 20th. With the time zone in Australia/New Zealand 16 hours ahead of DC’s time, DC will be allowing bars and restaurants to open 24 hours a day (with a booze break of 4-6a) during the month-long tournament, with the recent passage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Emergency Amendment Act of 2023 (still pending Mayor’s signature, but should be assured that it will go into effect). The bill is essentially identical to the same law passed last past fall and introduced by same Councilmember, Kenyan McDuffie for the 2022 Men’s World Cup.

Unlike last year’s men’s World Cup, where the time difference meant no games were actually on for 80% of the matches overnight, the time difference here is substantial. Matches will kick off roughly (though varies by the day) at 9p eastern – 8:30a, though the bulk of matches are during 3am-8am ish. The US is set to kick off Fri, July 21st at 9p (v Vietnam), Wed July 26th at 9p (v the Dutch), and Tue Aug 1st at 3a (v. Portugal). Unless something goes awry, their Round of 16 match will be at Sat Aug 5th at 10p, Q-finals Th Aug 10th at 9p, Semis Tues Aug 15th at 4a, with Final Sun Aug 20th at 6am.

Just like last year’s men’s World Cup, I expect more bars which aren’t even showing any games to take advantage of the extra hours (at least on weekends), but there will definitely be multiple spots open to show the Portugal match and probably the semi finals (despite it being smack dab during the booze break). As for other country’s matches, it will depend on what embassies are planning and partnering.

Bars and restaurants who want to take advantage will have to pay $100 registration fee and notify DC ABCA and MPD by July 17th if they want to do so. A number of bars have settlement agreements that may restrict their hours, but many include provisions that allow them to take advantage of something like this.

Note DC already extends the 24/7, 4-6a booze break flexibility for weekends around Federal/Dc holidays, so this just extends it to the World Cup.