19 July,2026 07:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif Rizvi
A FIFA World Cup Trophy visual is displayed against the Manhattan skyline during the FIFA Drone show in New York. Pic/AFP
Hotels and restaurants in Mumbai and Maharashtra will remain open till 4 am on Sunday for FIFA World Cup final 2026, an official state government notification said on Sunday.
The Maharashtra government has allowed hotels, restaurants and eateries across the state to remain open until 4 am on the night of Sunday, July 19, 2026, to enable football fans to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final live, officials said.
The temporary extension has been approved in view of the time difference between India and the host location, allowing fans to gather at public venues to watch the much-awaited final between Spain and Argentina.
The decision follows a request submitted by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), which sought relaxation of regular operating hours so restaurants and hospitality establishments could host football enthusiasts during the match.
According to the official notification, the Maharashtra Home Department approved the extension under Section 33 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. The order was issued by Joint Secretary of the Home Department, Mugdha N. Dhuri.
The government has allowed the extended operating hours with several safety conditions.
Establishments operating beyond regular hours must:
- Deploy adequate private security personnel inside and outside their premises.
- Ensure full responsibility for any law and order issues or illegal activities at their venues.
- Follow all noise pollution rules and comply with Supreme Court and High Court guidelines on loudspeakers.
- Use the permission only for indoor premises and enclosed spaces, not open-air venues.
The state government has directed police authorities to maintain strict security arrangements across cities and districts during the extended hours.
Local police officials and district collectors have been authorised to withdraw or deny the extension for specific establishments if they believe it may affect public safety, peace or law and order.
An official said that the police have made adequate security and law enforcement arrangements for the event in Maharashtra.
Earlier, The Karnataka government has allowed hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on three nights to enable football fans to watch late-night matches.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the decision on Tuesday, describing it as welcome news for football enthusiasts across the city.
The relaxation will apply on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup fixtures are scheduled to be played late at night in India because of the time difference with the host country.
