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If you are a football fan, you will not have to cut the match night short this weekend. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 final is all set to take place, the Delhi government has announced that some restaurants, cafés and other dining locations will be open until 4 AM, which will let you catch every minute of the biggest night of the football match.
With the final scheduled to start from 12:30 AM IST on July 20, the late-night means the fans can soak in the loud, boisterous, stadium-like atmosphere at sports bars, eateries and clubs without stressing about an early closing time.
The announcement comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where the defending champions Argentina will take on Spain in the hunt for their fourth World Cup title and a second consecutive one when they fight in New York. The decision is expected to add more thrill to the final event, with many venues preparing for live screenings, menus that are special match-day curated menus, exclusive offers on food and beverages, and football-themed experiences.
Part Of Delhi's Business-Friendly Framework
Announcing the decision on X, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta mentioned, "Every football fan has watched Lionel Messi make history. Now, history has one more story to tell. A legend. A teenage prodigy. One trophy. One night that generations will remember. Delhi is ready for that night.
She added that the late-night relaxation has been made achievable under Delhi's 24x7 business-friendly operational framework, presented as part of the government's ease-of-doing-business reforms, allowing every football fan to enjoy the final whistle to its fullest.
Only restaurants, cafés and other locations that qualify under the framework will be allowed to remain open until 4 AM. The relaxation applies precisely for the FIFA World Cup final weekend and is planned to accommodate the late-night timing for the global sports screening.
A Boost For Restaurants, Cafés And Sports Bars
The decision is anticipated to benefit restaurants and cafés that have been preparing for the final with big screens, themed décor, curated football-inspired menus and special offers on food and drinks. As the match screenings will be done after midnight in India, many venues would otherwise have had to shut before even the game ended. With this decision, the streaming will now be seamless, letting the fans enjoy every whistle.
Not only in Delhi, but cities like Bengaluru have also introduced interim extensions for pubs and restaurants for the FIFA World Cup knockout matches, showing the rapid popularity of the football screenings in India.
(Image credit: Freepik)
A Bigger Night Out For Football Lovers
Watching a prominent football final in a crowded venue has evolved as an experience, rather than just watching the game in itself. Big screens, live commentary, exhilarating crowds, and, to go with it, the match-day food menus make the stadium-like atmosphere in the cafés and restaurants, where strangers get to enjoy together.
With Delhi allowing suitable venues to remain open until 4 AM, fans can enjoy the whole match without any interruption. Whether it's over the craft beer, comfort food or late-night munching of your favourite cafe appetiser, the capital is gearing up for an impressive football night to let you witness the FIFA World Cup final with all the thrill of the stadium.
