FIFA World Cup Final 2026: Restaurants and Cafes in Delhi To Stay Open Till 4 AM, Says CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has permitted restaurants and cafes in the capital to remain open until 4 AM this Saturday and Sunday. This initiative aims to allow fans to gather and watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, which kicks off at 12:30 AM IST on Monday, July 20, as part of the city’s ease-of-doing-business reforms.
Football fans in the national capital will have more time to celebrate this weekend as Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Saturday that restaurants, cafes, and other eligible establishments are permitted to remain open until 4 AM on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19. The extension is designed to accommodate fans gathering to watch the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.
The final match, which features legendary forward Lionel Messi and the Argentine squad against a formidable Spanish side, is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Monday, July 20. France vs England, FIFA World Cup 2026 Win Probability: What Polymarket Betting Prediction Markets Say.
Delhi CM Asks Fans To Enjoy FIFA World Cup Final 2026 in Cafes Till 4 AM
Government Initiative
Chief Minister Gupta announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that the move leverages the city's existing 24x7 business-friendly operating framework. This policy was introduced as part of the government’s broader ease of doing business reforms since the current administration took office in February 2025. “With the city’s 24x7 business-friendly operating framework already in place under the leadership of Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, restaurants, cafés and other eligible establishments across the capital can remain open till 4 AM this Saturday and Sunday, giving football lovers the opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup Final together and make the night even more memorable," the Delhi CMO's official X handle wrote.
Delhi Is Ready for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
In another post, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, "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." Did You Know Three Other Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Finalists Had Childhood Photos With Lionel Messi Apart From Lamine Yamal?
A Generational Clash
The 2026 World Cup final has drawn immense global attention, pitting Argentina - who are chasing a fourth World Cup title and a second consecutive crown - against Spain. For many, the match represents a "generational clash" between the experienced Messi and rising stars within the Spanish team. For fans in Delhi, the extended operating hours offer a rare opportunity to gather in public spaces to witness what is expected to be a historic conclusion to the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2026 07:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).