S
outh Australian football fans will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in a stadium setting closer to home, with Centre Court at The Drive set to host live broadcasts of Australia’s group stage matches.
The State Government has confirmed the venue will operate as an official Live Site during the tournament, giving supporters a place to gather for the CommBank Socceroos’ opening World Cup fixtures from North America.
The first match will see Australia take on Türkiye in Vancouver on Sunday 14 June, with gates opening at 12.30pm ahead of the 1.30pm kick-off. Fans will then return in the early hours of Saturday 20 June for Australia’s clash against the United States in Seattle, with gates opening at 4am before the 4.30am start. The final confirmed group match against Paraguay in San Francisco will be shown on Friday 26 June, with access from 10.30am for an 11.30am kick-off.
Organisers say the venue will feature a festival-style atmosphere throughout the tournament broadcasts, including DJs, MCs and food and drink options available for purchase.
The initiative is also expected to provide a boost for hospitality businesses across Adelaide and regional South Australia, particularly venues planning to screen matches outside standard trading hours.
To support that demand, the state’s liquor and gambling regulator will reduce application fees for venues seeking short-term licences linked to World Cup broadcasts. Consumer and Business Services will also prioritise approvals for businesses applying to operate during morning and lunchtime fixtures.
Under the temporary arrangements, venues will pay a single application fee rather than separate charges for individual match applications.
South Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke, said the live site would give fans the chance to experience major tournament football in a shared setting.
“Nothing beats watching the best in the world go head-to-head with your mates, so the vibe at the Live Site at The Drive is going to be electric,” she said.
Ms Bourke said the location would also encourage visitors to continue into the city before or after matches, supporting local cafés, bars and restaurants.
Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Michael Brown said the government wanted to make it easier for venues to take part in the tournament atmosphere.
“The world game brings people together like nothing else, and we’re making it easier for South Australian football fans to gather in person and share their love of the sport,” he said.
Mr Brown said cutting fees and fast-tracking applications would help venues respond quickly to community demand during the tournament.
Large public turnouts during the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in 2023 demonstrated the appetite for major football events in South Australia, with tens of thousands attending fan zones and hospitality venues across the state during the competition.
Further details about potential knockout stage screenings involving Australia are expected to be announced closer to the matches.
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