FIFA fever high as Hyderabad bars to stay open late for grand finale

Football fans in Hyderabad can look forward to watching the climax of the FIFA Club World Cup 2026 without worrying about the last drink order.

Considering the growing popularity of global sporting events in the city, the Telangana government has extended the liquor serving hours of bars, clubs and microbreweries for the final match of the tournament and the third-place contest. The relaxation allows licensed establishments in the Telangana Core Urban Region (CURE) to remain open till 4.30 am on the night of July 18 and 19 for the third-place play-off and till 3 am on the intervening night of July 19 and 20 for the championship final.

The order issued by Prohibition and Excise Commissioner C. Hari Kiran covers licensed 2B bars, C1 clubs, TD1 and TD2 establishments and microbreweries in Hyderabad and adjoining urban areas.

The extension follows a statement by the Telangana Bar and Restaurant Owners Association seeking additional working hours to cater to football fans who are expected to gather in large numbers to watch late night matches. The Excise Department agreed to the relaxation while instructing all establishments to strictly adhere to excise laws and licensing conditions.

However, officials made it clear that the relaxation only applies to working hours and does not affect compliance requirements. Deputy Commissioners of Prohibition and Excise in Greater Hyderabad, Malkajgiri and Cyberabad and district excise officers in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, LB Nagar, Malkajgiri, Qutbullapur and Serilingampally have been directed to ensure that the expanded operations are carried out strictly in accordance with the law.

In terms of Hyderabad’s vibrant nightlife, this decision is expected to boost weekend business. Sports bars, pubs and microbreweries, which are increasingly becoming meeting points for fans during major international sporting events, will witness packed halls as football fans cheer on their favorite clubs into the early hours.