FIFA World Cup final 2026: Delhi eateries allowed to stay open till 4 AM

Football fever is set to take over the national capital this weekend. To ensure fans don't miss a moment of the FIFA World Cup Final, the Delhi government has permitted eligible restaurants, cafs and other establishments operating under its 24x7 business framework to remain open till 4 AM on Saturday and Sunday.The decision aims to give football lovers a chance to gather, cheer for their favourite teams and make the night one to remember.DELHI WANTS FANS TO CELEBRATE TOGETHERAnnouncing the move, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said every generation remembers its World Cup final, and Delhi should experience the occasion together. The extended operating hours are expected to encourage fans to enjoy live screenings, dine out and celebrate the biggest football match of the year without worrying about early closing times.MUMBAI MAY ALSO GET LATE-NIGHT SCREENINGSDelhi isn't the only city embracing football fever. In Mumbai, the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) has requested the Maharashtra government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to allow restaurants and bars across the state to remain open till 3:30 AM on Monday, July 20, so fans can watch the FIFA World Cup Final in its entirety.Adding to the excitement, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is also set to host live screenings of the final for transit passengers, ensuring travellers don't miss the action even while waiting for their flights. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has welcomed the governments of Karnataka, Telangana and Delhi for allowing licensed restaurants, cafs, pubs, bars, clubs, microbreweries and other hospitality establishments to extend their operating hours during the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off and final.The approvals came after representations made by the association's respective state chapters, which sought permission for businesses to remain open late so football fans could enjoy live screenings of the tournament's biggest matches.BOOST FOR HOSPITALITY, TOURISM AND NIGHTLIFEAccording to the NRAI, the decision will enable hospitality establishments to host live screenings of one of the world's most-watched sporting events while encouraging customers to dine out and celebrate together.The association said the move is expected to provide a significant boost to late-night business, tourism and local economic activity, benefiting restaurants and entertainment venues across the three states.A BOOST FOR NIGHTLIFE AND HOSPITALITYThe extended operating hours are expected to benefit restaurants, cafs and the hospitality sector by drawing larger crowds for one of the world's most-watched sporting events. From themed menus and live screenings to late-night gatherings, eateries in Delhi—and potentially Mumbai are preparing for an unforgettable football night.- EndsPublished By: Chaitanya DhawanPublished On: Jul 19, 2026 13:31 IST