Delhi permits cafes open till 4 a.m. for World Cup final

The Delhi government has permitted eligible restaurants, cafes, and other establishments to remain open until 4 a.m. this weekend, allowing football fans to gather and watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Saturday, July 18, 2026, framing it as a benefit of the city's existing 24/7 business-friendly operating framework.

The final, featuring defending champions Argentina against Spain, is scheduled for a late-night kickoff in New York, translating to an early morning broadcast in India. The match is set to begin at 12:30 a.m. IST on Monday, July 20. The special operating hours apply only to businesses already covered under the capital's regulatory framework for extended operations, which is part of broader ease-of-doing-business reforms. Establishments not covered by the policy must adhere to their standard closing times.

In a statement posted on social media, Chief Minister Gupta emphasized the historic nature of the matchup and the city's readiness to host communal viewings. "Every football fan has watched Lionel Messi make history. Now, history has one more story to tell," she wrote. "Delhi is ready for that night." She added...