Reported arrangements in New South Wales would allow licensed venues showing the game to open from 3am, while premises that normally close at 1am or 2am could continue trading through the night.
Victoria is also expected to permit overnight trading at venues screening the match. Extra public transport is planned, including services supporting public screenings at Federation Square and AAMI Park.
That represents a significant change for a fixture beginning before sunrise. Instead of supporters watching alone at home, the arrangements could turn the match into a coordinated national gathering.
The approach is not uniform across Australia. In Queensland, the report says pubs and clubs would be able to trade between 3am and 7am only when broadcasting the match, with operators required to seek approval.
Venues in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory may also need individual permission. That means the size and atmosphere of supporter gatherings will depend heavily on local approvals.
The difference matters because a 4am kickoff creates practical challenges beyond broadcasting rights. Transport, licensing and safe dispersal all become part of the matchday operation.
Australia is reportedly preparing for its third World Cup knockout-stage appearance, following progress in 2006 and 2022. The late start will test the team on the pitch, but it will also measure how strongly the country can rally around a national side at an unusual hour.
The next storyline will be whether the planned festival atmosphere matches the scale of the audience - and whether the Socceroos can give supporters a sunrise worth celebrating.