Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 14 : Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday that food service timings for hotels and restaurants in the city have been extended from 1.00 am to 3.30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to enable fans to watch late-night FIFA World Cup matches.
The decision has been taken following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI).
The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals are set to take place on July 14 (local time) and July 15, 2026. The matchups feature France vs Spain and England vs Argentina.
"Football inspires millions across the world, and the FIFA World Cup is a celebration that fans eagerly look forward to. Following a request from the National Restaurant Association of India, our government has permitted hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to extend food service timings from 1.00 am to 3.30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate late-night match screenings," D K Shivakumar said in an X post.
https://x.com/DKShivakumar/status/2076963790256853164?s=20
"This decision has been taken while ensuring that public safety, law and order, and the convenience of citizens remain our highest priorities. I urge everyone to enjoy the matches responsibly and extend full cooperation to the authorities," he added.
France and Spain, two European football powerhouses, will face off in a blockbuster semifinal in Dallas on Tuesday, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Spain, the top-ranked team heading into the tournament and reigning European champions, reached the semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1, with Mikel Merino once again scoring a decisive late goal.
France, ranked No. 3, continued its impressive campaign with a commanding 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco, as France captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele found the net to secure a place for their team in the last four.