Delhi restaurants can stay open until 4 AM for FIFA World Cup final, says CM
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that restaurants, cafes, and other eligible establishments across Delhi can remain open until 4:00 AM this weekend to allow football fans to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The decision, aimed at facilitating late-night gatherings for the match, utilizes the Delhi government's existing 24x7 ease-of-doing-business framework.
The special extension comes ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 final, which will see defending champions Argentina take on Spain in New York. Argentina is seeking their fourth World Cup title and a second consecutive victory.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed the city's readiness for the major sporting event. She noted the historic significance of the match for football enthusiasts.
"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," Gupta stated in her social media post.
The Chief Minister explained that the decision to allow extended operating hours is supported by Delhi’s 24x7 business-friendly operating framework. This framework was established as part of the Delhi government’s broader ease-of-doing-business reforms.
"With the city's 24x7 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 till 4 am this weekend, making it easier for the city to experience football's biggest night together," Gupta added.
The announcement, which was shared with the hashtag #FIFAWorldCup2026, is designed to help local football fans gather in public spaces to watch the final match during the late-night hours. By allowing eligible establishments to remain open until 4:00 AM, the government aims to support both the local business community and the city's sports fans.
