Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the decision was made possible under the city’s 24×7 business-friendly operation framework.
Prime Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that restaurants and cafes across Delhi will remain open until 4 am this weekend. She said the move aims to allow football fans in the national capital to enjoy the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The summit clash is scheduled to begin at 12:30 a.m. EST on July 20.
Defending champions Argentina will face Spain in New York in pursuit of their fourth FIFA World Cup title and second successive title.
“Every football fan has watched Lionel Messi create history. Now, history has another story to tell. A legend. A teenage prodigy. One trophy. One night that generations will remember. Delhi is ready for that night,” Gupta said in a post on X.
Read also | Fines every day, appeals on autopilot: What the Delhi government’s timely new services bill proposes actually looks like
The Chief Minister said the decision was made possible under the city’s 24×7 business-friendly operation framework introduced as part of the government’s ease of practice business reforms.
She added: “With the City’s 24/7 business-friendly operating framework already in place under our Government’s ease of doing business reforms, restaurants, cafes and other eligible establishments across the capital can welcome fans until 4am this weekend, making it easier for the City to experience football’s biggest night together.”
Spain is favored, but all eyes are on Messi
Spain heads into the 2026 World Cup final as favorites after an impressive season in which they have conceded just one goal and dominated possession against their top opponents. After opening with a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde, they defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Uruguay 1-0 to take top spot in Group H.
Then the European champions beat Austria 3-0, beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 1-0, beat Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, and beat France 2-0 in the semi-finals. Mikel Oyarzabal answered the pre-tournament doubts by scoring five goals and providing an assist.
Meanwhile, Argentina once again relied on Lionel Messi’s influence in crucial moments. Against England in the semi-final, they fell behind in the 55th minute but fought back to win after Messi set up both goals. Although he did not score, his performance showed that he does not need to dominate the entire match to make the decisive difference.
Follow the latest breaking news, key developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with Hindustan Times Newsdesk. Operating around the clock, the bureau brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across topics affecting public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT Newsdesk covers politics, elections, government policy, economics, business, markets, science and technology, environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across countries, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the News Desk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory files, recognized institutions and other official sources. Stories undergo editorial review and verification to ensure accuracy, fairness and appropriateness, and are updated as events develop and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a major policy decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with trusted, fact-based journalism that provides not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read more
