Football fans in several Indian cities will be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup final without worrying about restaurants closing early. Ahead of the title clash between defending champions Argentina and Spain, authorities in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru allowed restaurants to remain open beyond their usual closing hours to accommodate late-night performances.
The FIFA World Cup final will kick off at 12:30 a.m. EST on July 20, with Argentina aiming for a fourth World Cup title and second successive win.
Delhi: Restaurants and cafes remain open until 4 am
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that restaurants and cafes across the national capital will remain open until 4am this weekend to allow football fans to enjoy the World Cup final.
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Announcing the decision on
Bengaluru: Food service has been extended for both match days
Bengaluru Police on Friday allowed hotels and restaurants within the city police commissionerate limits to extend food service hours for both the third-place match on July 19 and the World Cup final on July 20.
According to an order issued by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, restaurants can serve food till 5 am on July 19 and until 3.30 am on July 20.
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The order was issued after representation from the National Restaurant Association of India and grants relief under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963.
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Police also clarified that the current closing time for food services is 1 a.m., and the revised timings will only apply on the specified dates.
Mumbai: Hotels and restaurants are allowed until 4 am
Mumbai has also granted permission to food establishments, hotels and restaurants across the state to remain open until 4 am the next day, July 19, 2026, to facilitate late-night viewing of the FIFA World Cup final.
Assam: Eating is allowed until 3:30 am
As excitement builds around the FIFA World Cup, the Assam government has relaxed the opening times of restaurants to allow fans to watch the matches late at night. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that restaurants in Guwahati and other permitted areas can remain open till 3:30 am on July 15, 16, 19 and 20 for the semi-finals and final of the tournament.
The extended opening hours come as football fever reaches peak across the country ahead of one of the biggest matches in global sport, as Argentina and Spain battle it out for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
